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CHRONOLOGY OF STAMFORD. 



COMPILED FROM 



PECK, BUTCHER, HOWGRAVE, HARROD, 



DRAKARD, PARLIAMENTARY REPORTS, AND OTHER 



IMPORTANT WORKS. 



BY GEO. BUETON. 

' 1 i'> « c )' i o ' ' ^ 



STAMFORD : 

FEINTED AND PUBLISHED BY EGBERT BAGLEY, 

LONDON : 

MESSES. EDWAEDS AND HUGHES, 

im 






Entered at Stationers' Hall, 



7 ?3 



PEEFACE. 



In presenting this little volume to the Public, the 
author ventures to hope that it will prove not 
only amusing and instructive, hut serviceable as 
a book of reference in all matters of local in- 
terest. Facts have been collected with the utmost 
impartiality; and in consulting the different 
authorities, and collating various versions of the 
same incidents, great care has been taken to 
iopt those only which will stand the test of 
probability. An alphabetical arrangement has 
been obsen^ed, that form being deemed the most 
advantageous in a work the primary object of 
which is to present in a convenient compass an 
epitome of all the remarkable events pertaining 
to the locality. 

The historical books noticed at page 293 being 
out of print (with the exception of Mr. Drakard's, 
which cannot be obtained with the plates com- 
plete,) and many civil and political changes, as 
well as improvements in the town, having oc- 
curred, formed a leading inducement to the com- 
pilation of the present work. 



\ 

^ The author returns his sincere thanks to those 

I gentlemen who have kindly assisted him by the 

I loan of records^ books^ &c. 
I In consequence of the heavy expenses occa- 

\ sioned by a much larger quantity of typography 

< than was originally contemplated, the wood en- 
i gravings are limited to three ; but it is hoped 
I that the increase of descriptive will more than 

< compensate for the deficiency of illustrated 
I matter. 

I As there are no facts connected with the His- 

\ tory of Stamford prior to the dates given in the 

c body of the work, the fabulous story of the foun- 

< dation of the Town and University, by Bladud, a 
( Trojan Prince, 860 years before Christ, has been 
{ purposely omitted, there being no reliable cir- 

< cumstances to support this tradition. 

\ With these brief remarks, and an earnest 

< apology for any literal errors (which the pressure 

\ of other avocations render liable), this volume 

\ is respectfully offered to his fellow townsmen 

{ and the public, by { 

< 

s their humble servant, 

\ GEORGE BURTON. 

< 

I Stamfordy September I, 1846. 



LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS. 



The Ei^ht Honorable the MAEQUIS OF GEANBY, M.P. 
The Eight Honorable the EAEL OF GAINSBOEOUGH 
The Eight Eev. the LOED BISHOP OF LINCOLN 
The Eight Eev. the LOED BISHOP OF PETEEBOEOUGH 
The Yen. Dr. BONNET, Archdeacon of Lincoln and Dean 

of Stamford 
AUGUSTUS STAFFOED O'BEIEN, Esq., M.P. 
GILBEET J. HEATHCOTE, Esq., M.P., Stocken Hall 
CHAELES HAYCOCK, Esq., Mayor of Stamford 
EICHAED NEWCOMB, Esq., J.P., Stamford, (3 copies) 
JOHN EODEN, Esq., J.P., ditto, (2 copies) 
EDWAED CAYLEY, Esq., J.P., ditto 
Eev. THOMAS BEOWN, ditto 
Eev. NICHOLAS WALTEES, ditto 
Eev. F. E. GEETTON, ditto 
Eev. W. H. CHAELTON, ditto 
E. J. WILLSON, Esq., F.S.A., Lincohi 
W. HIGGS, Esq., Burghley, (2 copies) 

-After, James, Esq., Stamford 

Adams, Mrs., ditto 

Alderman, Miss, ditto 

Ashwell, Mr., Empinsrham 

AUis, Mr. J., Fiskerton 

Anderson, Mr. J. P., Derby 

Appleford, Mr., Stamford 
■Althorp, Mr. James, ditto 
Abbott, Mr. Geo., ditto 

-Burdett, William,- Esq., ditto 
Bartram, Mr. William Samuel, ditto 
Bontoft, Mr. H., Boston 
Banks, Mr. William, Stamford 
Burton, Miss, ditto 
Burton, Mr. John, ditto 



VI 



Blake, Mr. W., Easton . . 

~Boor, Mr. Henry, Stamford , 
Bland, Mr. James, ditto 
Banks, Mr. "William, Birming-ham 
Burton, Mr. Joseph, Stamford . 
Baines, Mr. George, ditto . . 
Burton, Mr. Charles, ditto 
Buck, Mr. Hart, Thomey . . 
Ball, Mr. Thomas, Bourn 
-'Bromhead, Mrs., Stamford .. 
Bond, Mr. Edward, ditto 
Buckle, Mr. B. C, Peterborough 
Baxter, Isaac, Esq., London 
Baines, Mr. George, Stamford 

-Blott, Mr. T. W.. ditto . . 

Chapman, Mr., Alderman, ditto 

Clapton, Mr. Jeremiah, ditto 

Clapton, Mr. Thomas, ditto.. 

Clapton, Mr. Edward, ditto 

Chapman, Mr, Thomas Freeman, ditto 

Clements, Mrs., ditto 
""Crosby, Mr. Eichard Bobert, ditto 

Carter, Mr. J. D., London 

Canner, Mr. Mark, Bamack. . 

Causton, Mr. James, London 
-Clark, Mr., Stamford 

Chambers, George, Esq., ditto 

Day, Bobert, Esq., Belgrave 

Dennis, Mr., Edward 

Desborough, Mr. J. G., Stamford 
■"Dixon, Mr. H., ditto 
-'Dawson, Mr., Thorney . , 

Evans, J. E., Esq., Stamford 
Edwards, Mr. William B., ditto . . 
- English, Mr. Thomas, ditto . . 

"-Fysh, Miss F., ditto 
-Fox, Charles, Esq., ditto 

Forbes, Mr., ditto 

Fisher, Mr., Thorney 

'-Grant, Mr. Joseph Cooke, Stamford 
Grant, Mr. John, Cheltenham 
Gridley, Esq., London . . 
Gibbons, Mr. James, Stamford 

Hatfield, Edward, Esq., ditto 

Howes, Mr. John, ditto ; . 

Haynes, Mr. B. B., ditto 
"Horden, Mr. John, ditto 

Hanson, John, Esq., London 
"Hart, Mr. John, Stamford .. 

Haycock, Mr. W. B., ditto 
•^Eorden, Mr. John, junior, ditto 



Hall, Mr. Eobert, Stamford 
"^^^-Holmes, Mr. Eobert, ditto , . 
Hart, Mr. J., junior, ditto 
-Horden, Mr. W. A., ditto . . 
Hepworth, Mr. William, Sheffield 
Hales, Mr. G., Stamford 
-Hewitt, Mr. H., ditto . . 

Islip, Rev. Thomas, ditto . . 
'•^slip, Mr. Eobert, ditto . . 

** Johnson, Mr. H., ditto 

Jack, Mr. Alexander, Wisbech . . 
^Jeffs, Mr. Goodliff, Stamford 

- Jeffs, Mr. John Thomas, ditto . . 
^Jelley, Mr. William, ditto . , 

Johnson, Mr. Frederick, ditto . . 
Johnson, Mr. H., ditto 

TKnight, Mr. Bichard, ditto 
Knight, Mr. John, Casterton 
Kirton, Mrs., Lincoln .. 
King-, Mr. Henry, Stamford . . 

■" Lumby, Mr. Joshua, ditto 

- Lmnby, Mrs. Isaac, ditto 
Lasegue, Mr. C. L., ditto 

^Layton, Mr., ditto . , 
Lane, Mr., ditto 

~- Moorhouse, Miss, ditto 
--Mortlock, Mrs., ditto 

Martin, Mr. J. B,., ditto 

Michelson, Mr. Robert, junior, ditto 

Michelson, Miss, ditto 
^-Maguire, Mr. F. C, Burghley Lodges 

Markham, Mr. William, London 

";^ewcomb, R. N., Esq., Stamford 
"Newcom5, Mr. William, ditto 
Nutt, Mr. William, ditto 

^ Odlin, Mr. Charles, ditto . . 
Orme, Humphrey, Esq., ditto 
Osvmi, Mr. John, ditto 
Oldham, Mr. Rowland, ditto 
O'Connor, Rev. T. J., ditto . . 

Perfect, Mr. John, ditto 
Peal, Mr. Moses, ditto 
^Paradise, Mr. John, ditto 
Paradise, Mr. Thomas, ditto 
-Phillips, Mr Joseph, jun., ditto 
-Parr, Mr. John, ditto 
Pearson, Mr. Whyles, ditto « 
Porter, W. G., Esq., Peterborough 
Poppleton, Mr. J., Boston 



' Parker, Mr. Thomas King, Stamford 

Pickering, Mr., Barnack 

Porteus, Mr., Stamford 
•^ Pollard, Mr. Richard, ditto 

Quant, Mr., Foston 

^ Boden, Mr, John, Stamford 

Keynolds, Mr. R. C, ditto . . 
•^Bichardson, Mr. Charles, ditto 

Richardson, Mr. William, ditto 

Ring-ham, Mr. John, ditto 

Rowe, Mr. E. T., ditto 

Rowson, Mr., ditto 

Richardson, Mr. J., ditto . , 
■^ Roden, Mr. Thomas, ditto 

Roberts, Mr. "WiUiam, ditto 

Robertson, Mr. C. J., ditto 
~Roden, Mrs., ditto 

Reynolds, Mr. H. S., ditto 

~ Simpson, Charles, Esq., ditto 
Spencer, Mr. Thomas, ditto 
Saul, Mr. Robert, ditto 
Sculthorpe, Mr. WiUiam, ditto . . 
Spencer, Mr. William, ditto 
Smith, Miss, ditto 

^ Sandall, Mr. Robert, ditto 
Sharp, Mr. Samuel, ditto 
Sharman, Mr. John, Horn House 
Sharpe, Mr. E., Stamford 
Smith, Mr. Seth, West Deeping 
Smith, Mr. John, Stamford 

V Scotney, Mr. J., ditto 
Smedley, Mr., Sleaford 
Stinson, Mrs., Stamford 

- Smith, Mr. H., ditto . . 

Taylor, Mr. John, Easton , . 
Taylor, Mr. J., Stamford 
--Turner, Miss, Burghley 

- Tewson, Mr., Stamford 

" Wilson, Mr. J., ditto 

- White, Mr. C, ditto .. 
-Wigmore, Mr. James, ditto 

Worsley, Mr., Ketton . . 
Wright, Mr. John, Stamford 
Wallin, Mr., ditto 
Woodward, Mr. A., ditto 
White, Mr. G., Sheffield 



CHRONOLOGY. 



] Adelaide, Dowager Queen of William IV, passed through 
) Stamford to Burghley on Monday the 8th of August, ]842. 
) Her Majesty was met near Tinwell toll-har by the Mayor 
\ (Joseph Phillips, Esq^.), and a guard of honor composed of 
\ the Town Council and gentry on horseback, who escorted 
I her to Burghley. Triumphal arches were erected at Saint 
J Peter's Gate, and at the George Inn, Saint Martin's. During 
^ her Majesty's visit, the children of the Sunday-schools in 
I connection with the Established Church, dined together on 
the lawn before Burghley House, where her Majesty and 
suite were very active assistants on this large juvenile as- 
sembly. On Tuesday, her Majesty took the office of sponsor 
at the christening of Lord Adelbert Cecil. A subscription 
was made by the Dissenters, for the purpose of regaling the 
children of their schools ; and, on the following Thursday, 
upwards of 3000 children (including the Poor-Law Union 
school), joined in procession on the Corn-hill, preceded by 
music, flags, and banners ; the children carried about sixty 
small flags with appropriate mottoes. On reaching the 
meadow, (where tables had been previously placed,) they 
partook of tea, cake, and other refreshments ; after tea, the 
young party amused themselves by singing and listening to 



the music, and separated after singing the National Anthem, 
in which they were joined by about 2000 adults who went 
to view this interesting fete. Her Majesty returned on the 
Thursday. 

Agricultural Society. — This Society was established in 
1840. At a Lady-day audit dinner of the Mai-quis of Exeter's 
tenantry, held at the Crown Inn, the subject was agitated; 
and, in consequence, a meeting of influential farmers and 
tradesmen was held on the market-day, in the following 
week, at Standwell's Hotel, for the purpose of appointing a 
provisional committee, and making the necessary arrange- 
ments for obtaining the support of influential parties in the 
neighbourhood: a large sum was then subscribed. The 
subsequent exertions, for the establishment of the society, 
were eminently crowned with success ; the support obtained 
being very much more important than anticipated. A second 
and much larger meeting was held — laws were framed, and 
a committee was appointed. The Marquis of Exeter sub- 
sequently consented to become Patron, and Sir J. Trollope, 
Bart., at the unanimous wish of the members, assumed the 
office of President. For the first year, Mr. J. Morton (of 
Pilsgate), Mr. H. Whincup (of Stamford), and Mr. J. Lowe 
(of Belmisthorpe), were chosen Stewards; Mr. Standwell, 
Treasurer; and Mr. Fricker, Secretary. The district of the 
society was decided to be a circle having a radius from 
Stamford of twenty miles. The first Exhibition was held on 
Tuesday, September 22, 1840, (it being fixed to be held in 
future years on the last Tuesday in September,) in a gi'ound, 
most admirably adapted for the purpose, (immediately east 
of the Infirmary,) which had been liberally ofi'ered for the 
use of the society by Messrs. Simpson and Sons. Spacious 
\ sheds were erected for sheltering cattle, (in great part*^?'a- 
tuitously by Mr. James Eichardson, and every year up to this 
period, 1845, entirely so,) and every exertion was made for 
can-ying off the first yeai-'s meeting with spirit and eclat ; 
and not in vain, — "for the show of cattle was excellent — the 
attendance in the ground most numerous — and Sir John 



TroUope, as chairman at tlie dinner, was supported by many 
influential gentlemen of tlie neighbourhood and about 120 
guests." The amount of premiums awarded for Stock was 
£171, to Labourers £Id, and for Seeds and Vegetables 
£S. 10. £34. 13. was taken at the door of the show-yard 
as admission-money, at one shilling a head. Premiums 
amounting to ^93 5. were also awarded for several classes of 
Cattle brought for sale to the November fair. 

The same gentlemen acted as Stewards for 1841 as for 
the previous year. A Ploughing Meeting was added to the 
Annual Exhibition of Stock, &c., and a series of prizes were 
offered — a Cup, value £10., for competition by farmers' sons; 
another Cup of £6. to the owner of the winning plough in 
the ploughmen's class ; and about £10. in other prizes to 
ploughmen and ploughboys: the first ploughing meeting 
took place on the day of the annual show, in a close of the 
Messrs. Simpson, on the Great North Road. This year also, 
the Marquis of Exeter, Patron, announced his intention of 
offering the munificent Annual Premium of £40. to the oc- 
cupier of the best cultivated Farm of not less than 200 acres 
of arable land within the district of the society ; and for this 
(the first year), there were nine competitors — Mi*. Baker, 
Cottesmore; Mr. Leeds, Stibbington; Mr. J. Christian, 
Barrow; 'Mi: J. Owen, Deeping Fen; Mr. T. Parkinson, 
Eyhall; Mr. Warsop, i\lconbury; Mr. Bradford, Tickencote; 
JVIr. J. Nixon, Great Casterton ; and Mr. W. Pawlett, Bamack. 
The prize was awarded to ^Ir. Warsop. The prizes awarded 
for Stock this year amounted to £160 ; to Labourers, &c., 
£15 ; and for Seeds and Vegetables, £4. 15. The amount 
taken at the door of the show-yard was £32. 4. Premiums 
at the November fair, £17. 8. 

In May this year, 60 petitions in support of Protection to 
Agncultiire were presented to Parliament under the auspices 
of this society from places situate within its district. 

In April, 1842, a meeting of the members of the society 
was called together to investigate certain charges brought 
by Mr. Thos. Healey, of Ashwell, against R. W. Baker, Esq., 



i 



of Cottesmore, of wilful mis-statements in the entiy of Stock, \ 

in two instances, at the show in the previous year : after a \ 

full investigation, spreading over two meetings most nume- I 

rously attended, it was decided that the charges were not \ 

proved. The Stewards for this yeai- were Messrs. J. Lowe \ 

(Belmisthorpe), Francis Simpson, jun. (Stamford), and M. ) 

Bradford (Tickencote). The premiums for the November > 

fair were discontinued. The premiums paid this year < 

amounted to ^257. 4., consisting of Stock premiums, dBlST. 5. j 

Ser\^ants and Laboui*ers, £W.; Cups for Ploughing, £14:. 19 ; i 

other Ploughing premiums, a£l2.; premiums (including > 

Seeds, Vegetables, &c.), given by members, i6l7. ; Lord s 

Exeter's Farm premium, ^40. (awarded to Mr. Bradford, of < 

Tickencote). ^23. 1. was taken at the door of the show- < 

yard this year. The ploughing meeting was held on land \ 

belonging to Mr. H. Whincup, with an increased competition < 

and attendance. \ 

For 1843, Mr. Bradford (Tickencote), Mr. F. Simpson, I 

jun. (Stamford), and Mr. T. Parkinson (Ryhall), acted as I 

Stewards. In June this year, the Secretary, Mr. Fricker, I 

announced the resignation of his office, in consequence of I 

his removal to Boston. A subscription was raised for the > 

purpose of presenting him with a Testimonial in acknow- ^ 

lodgment of his services, and about ^100. being collected, a ^ 

handsome service of plate, (provided by Mr. Joseph Wilson), \ 

an elegant vellum scroll, mounted in silver, containing the I 

names of the subscribers, and the surplus in specie, were \ 

presented to him at the subsequent annual dinner, with an J 

appropriate address, by the President. Mr. Samuel Sharp, i 

bookseller, was elected Honorary Secretaiy in his room. \ 

The premiums given this yeai* amounted to £172, consisting \ 

of Stock, £96.; Labourers and Servants, £15.; Cup to Far- \ 

mer's Son, £5.; other Ploughing premiums, £1G.; and Lord s 

Exeter's premium, £40. (won by Mr. Owen, of Deeping ^ 

Fen). The money taken at the doors of the show-yard this < 

year was £17. 8. The ploughing meeting was held in a close i 

north of the road between the Great and Little Castertons, \ 



5^ 



occupied by Messrs. Simpsou. Thirty-two ploughs started. 

For 1844, Mr. Bradford, Mi*. Parkinson, and Mr. Nidd (of 

Barholm), were chosen Stewards. At the annual financial 

meeting of the committee, held in February, it appearing 

that, in consequence of the accumulation of arrears and the 

prevalent agricultural depression, a deficiency of nearly 

£100. existed in the funds of the society, a subscription was 

entered into, and ^83. 3. (including ^20. from the Marquis 

of Exeter,) was collected from 20 individuals, principally 

consisting of parties then present. On the 5th of February 

in this year, a public meeting of the members of the society 

was held at Standwell's Hotel, Sir J. Trollope, Bart., M.P., 

in the chair, to consider of the best means to adopt for 

maintaining the existing Protection to Agriculture. More 

than 200 attended; forms of Petitions to both Houses of 

Paiiiament were adopted, and a committee for controlling 

the funds and corresponding with the Central Committee of 

London, was appointed : subsequently numerous Petitions 

\ were prepared, and about 50 to either House of Parliament 

c afterwards presented by Lord Exeter and Sir John Trollope. 

) j£l48. 1.6. was raised by subscription, of which £50. has 

\ been sent to the London Society. In the course of the same 

i yeai-, under the auspices of the Protection Committee, the 

I Secretary drew the attention of numerous gentlemen present 

J at the Public Railway Meeting, to the impending Bank 

\ Charter Bill, which threatened peculiar pecuniary restric- 

\ tions ; these were fully explained by Messrs. Cayley and 

^ Edmonds, bankers. Mr. Sharp produced a Petition to Par- 

\ liament, praying for certain modifications, which received 

? about 500 signatures in 4 hours, and, being presented next 

> day, formed one of a mass which induced Sir Robert Peel to 

\ modify his bill. The premiums awarded this year amounted 

^ to £172.16.6., consisting of— Stock, £98.10.; Servants 

I and Labourers, £13.; Cup to Farmer's Son, £5. 6. 6.; other 

^ Ploughing premiums, £16.; and Lord Exeter's premium, 

I £40. (awarded to Mr. J. Holland, of Deeping Fen). £11. 

\ 18. 6d. was taken for admission to the show-yard. The 



< plougliing meeting was held on Mr. Whincup's farm, on the \ 
i London-road, and though the rain descended in torrents, > 
I the competition nearly doubled that of former years, 51 S 
I ploughs having started, and the attendance being large in i 
V proportion. ^ 
^ In 1845, the Stewards were Mr. T. Parkinson, Mr. Nidd, > 
f and Mr. J. Brown (Uffington). The chief object of note in ^ 
c the operations of the society, independent of its usual routine ^ 
^ of premiums, &c., is the establishment of a new Spring Stock I 

< Fair. At the February meeting, a resolution was passed, ] 
^ directing the secretary to communicate with the Mayor upon I 

< the subject, and, in consequence, the stewards and honorary > 
\ secretary attended a Council Meeting, held on the 26th of I 
i March, 1845, when it was resolved that a fair be held on j 
? the 10th of April following, and in subsequent years on such i 

< day in April as the Mayor for the time being might appoint. \ 

< The first fair so originated was held on the day named, and I 
I the large supply of stock and numerous attendance, attested > 
^ its utility. The amount of premiums offered this year was I 
I ^164. 10. ; Stock, £89. 10.; Labourers and Servants, £15.; I 
f Cup to Farmer's Son, ^5.; other Ploughing Classes, £15.; ; 
^ best cultivated Farm, £40. (awarded to Mr. Bamber, Stoke). I 

> Thus it will be seen that, during the six yeai's this society I 
I has been established, besides the heavy expenses of working I 
? it, printing, &c., it has disposed of £1252. 16. 0. in pre- I 
i miums for the promotion of the improvement and welfare i 
\ generally of the agricultural body of this neighbourhood, ) 

> not omitting the rewai'ding of excellence when found among I 
^ the labouring classes, whether in regard to their general ] 
f good conduct or then* skill in their avocation. The following \ 
\ are the amounts of premiums given under their several de- i 
\ partments ; — Stock, £782. 5. ; best cultivated Fai*m, £200 ; > 
^ Ploughing, £114. 6.; Labourers and Servants, £89. 9.; \ 
\ Stock at November Fairs, £52.; and Seeds and Vegetables, s 
r £15. 5. The society at present numbers 228 members, — \ 
^, its nominal income is £223. 7. 6d., but this is materially \ 
\ reduced by continually accruing arreai's. 



I The following is an Analytical Table of the different 




Subscript 


ions : — 










£. 5. d. 


£. s. d. 


1 1 


f Lord Exeter's Farm 
( Premium 


} 


40 


. 40 


i 


Ditto Subscription 




10 


. 10 


\ 5 


Subscribers at 




5 


. 25 


\ 1 






3 


. 3 


\ 1 






2 2 


. 2 2 


I 5 






2 


. 10 


\ ^2 






1 1 


. 12 12 


I 58 






1 00 


. 58 


3 






10 6 


. 110 


107 






10 


. 53 10 


I 29 






5 


. 7 5 


< 7 






2 6 


. 17 6 


< 228 


Subscribers. 




Subscriptions 


£223 7 6 



Alkfrid, a Saxon King of the Northumbrians, married 
Kenburg, daughter of Penda, King of Mercia, and held his 
court in Stamford on that occasion, 658. 

All Saints' Church — a spacious and handsome edifice, 
distinguished by many ai'chitectural beauties, is situate be- 
tween Eed Lion-square and Barnhill, and faces Scotgate, or 
the northern outlet to the Great North Eoad. Mr. Thomas 
Eickman, a celebrated ai'chitect, in an interesting description 
\ of this chui'ch, says, " It is curious, from the way in which 
\ the early English and perpendicular portions are united to 
( each other ; in some parts both styles are exceedingly well 
\ worked : the tower and spire are very beautiful, of the rather 
I late perpendicular, but with very good details, and there are 
\ two porches of the same style. Most of the interior, and 

< the lower part of the exterior, is eaiiy English, of a very 
^ fine character : there is a beautiful perpendicular panelled 

< Font, and a rich wood roof to part of the church." The edi- 
l fice consists of a nave, north and south aisles, two chancels, 
^ (one of which is called Saint Mary's Chapel,) an embattled 
\ tower with tun-ets at the corners, and crowned by a beautiful 
\ octangular crocketed spire. The interior of the church is 
r 56 feet long, and 48 feet wide ; the chancels united are 24 



\ feet by 18 feet ; the nave is 34 feet, and the chancels are 

\ 27 feet high ; the steeple, from the base to the top of the 

I vane, is 152 feet. The steeple and part of the body of the 

^ church was erected by some of the Browne family about the 

^ year 1465 ; but there must have been a church here previous i 

^ to 1170, as Peck states that Achai'd de Stamford granted > 

\ " All Saints' Church in the Mercat," to the Nuns of Saint > 

I Michael, who continued to hold it and present a Vicar until I 

I their Nunnery was dissolved in 1539. The building was ; 

I repaired and beautified in 1721. In the tower were five \ 

I bells besides the " saints' bell," on one of which was in- > 

I scribed " Margaret," and on another " John :" it is supposed ] 

I that these bells were the gift of John and Mai'garet Browne, \ 

] whose remains were interred here. > 

3 i 

) In 1808, the whole of the bells were re-cast by Mr. Tay- I 

\ lor, of St. Neots, and a new one added at a cost of £230. > 

S The peal is now considered a beautiful one; the tenor weighs \ 

s lljcwt. In this church there are several objects of anti- ] 

< quity worthy of note — the most prominent of which is the I 

i marble font which has, by order of the present Vicar, been > 

I recently denuded of a coat of paint, and restored to its origi- \ 

\ nal beauty. In the roof of the chancels are several curiously- \ 

\ carved figures in wood, some representing angels with \ 

I extended wings : these, with the roof, which had become ] 

] much decayed, have also been tastefully and substantially \ 

I restored by the present incumbent. The church is in many ^ 

^ parts studded with grotesque carvings of excellent workman- I 

> ship. On the wall, at the east end of the north aisle, is a ^ 
s curiously-wrought brass plate with a latin inscription, — the I 

> English of which is, " Pray for the souls of John Browne, i 
I merchant of the staple of Calais, and Margaret his wife : the | 
] said John died July 26, 1442, and the said Margaret, No- | 
) vember 22, 1460 ; on whose souls may God have mercy. | 
I Amen." In Saint Mary's Chapel is a blue slab to the mem- ] 
\ ory of " William Browne, eldest son of John and Margai-et j 
\ his wife," on which are the effigies of a male and female j 
) with their hands joined in the attitude of prayer. The male > 
) ) 



figure is clothed in a long gown, girt round the waist, and 
stands upon two cushions ; the female, in rich flowing dra- 
pery, with a dog at her feet. Over his head, is * + mc spctle ;' 
over her's, < JBcr ICatf]^ l^dp at nctfe;' and at their feet an 
inscription, which Mr. Peck thus translates : — 

" O King of Kings and Lord of Lords ! thy will 
In yielding to the grave all must fulfill. 
But as my flesh to earth, my sp'rit to thee. 
On whom my hope depends, make haste to flee ; 
Then, gracious Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, 
Keceive my soul, or I'm for ever lost. 
' A many sins I've done, and much I'm grieved ; 
Then let my cries for mercy be received : 
Enter not into judgment mth me, Lord, 
Mercy I beg ; thy mercy first afford : 
Thou who in pity didst our nature take. 
Hear, and oh save me for thy mercy's sake." 

There are also, in this chapel, hrass plates and tablets to 
the memory of members of the families of Browne, Elmes, 
Wykes, Wingfield, and Denshire ; and one for Thomas 
Truesdale, which is likewise translated by Mr. Peck, thus — 

"Beneath this marble are deposited the remains of Thomas 
Truesdale, of Stamford, Gent., known to very many, dear to aU ; but 
most dear to his friends. In the use of English laws and practice 
of the courts, excellently skilled; by his knowledge wherein he 
made others, as well as himself, honestly rich. To the poor, whilst 
he was yet alive, he gave often; when he died, always. In aneigh- 
boui'ing street, called Scotgate, he founded an hospital, a fit dwelling 
for six poor people for ever ; and endowed the same with revenues 
at Baston and Morton, in Lincolnshire. His fame, like a tree, grows 
and shall grow to unkno^vn time. For charity (which surpasses 
poetry) forbids that a person so deserving praise shall ever be forgot. 
If gra\ity, if sobriety, if a mind sincerely honest, can any of them 
procure a fail' name, this man had made sui'e of it. He died October 
the 23rd, in the year 1700." 

In 1829, the interior of the church was much improved ; 
a new gallery was erected, and several pews were added to 
the aisles by Messrs. Eichardson and Boyfield. In 1831, 
there was church accommodation for 1000 persons. All 



10 



1 Saints' was valued in the taxation of Pope Nicholas, at £2. 

i 13. 4. Value in the King's books, ^12. 7. S^. : in 1831, 

; All Saints' with Saint Peter's was stated to be worth ^9431. 

I An Organ was opened in this church on the 2d of March, 

I 1836 ; the Dean of Stamford (Dr. Bonney) preached, and 

I JBoO. 2. 3. was collected.— The Eev. T. C. Wilkinson was 

I Incumbent from 1802 to 1836, when the Rev. Nicholas 

\ Walters was presented to the living by the Marquis of 

I Exeter, who has the sole patronage. — The Tithes were com- 

l muted for, in 1842, for upwards of £464. ; there are also 

I about 74 acres of Glebe Land, besides a Glebe House for 

I Saint Peter's, now occupied by George Chambers, Esq. — 

\ See Population. 

> In All Saints' Church-yard, on the north side of the 
i church, is a square vault or cell, 9 feet 6 inches wide, and 
\ 12 feet high, with passages on the south and west sides 
I about 6 feet in "s^ddth, and 7 feet in height ; it is partly con- 
l structed out of a natural rock, with artificial masom-y added 
? to it: the two semi-circular ai'ches of the ceiling are groined, 

> and the key-stone of both is in the form of a cross, and ap- 
\ peai's to be of a much earlier date than the present church. 
I The two passages are now walled up at a distance of a few 
^ feet from the cell. The rock is of a hard limestone. The 
I south passage is believed to lead under the church, (as be- 
\ tween this cell and the church another part of a passage was 

> sometime since discovered,) and possibly to the Castle ; and 
I it is surmised that it was constructed by the monks for 

> flight and safety during the wai*s : the other, which branches 

> towards Barn-hill, is likewise supposed to have been a way 
I to escape from the town in case of danger, or the cell itself 
] might have been a prison for ecclesiastical ofi'enders. 

I The bimal gi'ound to this church only contains about 

\ 1016 square yards, and is consequently much too small for 

s the decent interment of the dead. On the 30th of August, 

< 1833, the parishioners in vestry resolved to convert the site 

j of Saint Peter's church into a burial-ground, and a wall was 

I commenced opposite to the house of Jas. Torkington, Esq., 



11 



\ who objected to the scheme; he, therefore, in the presence 

< of witnesses, took the mason's hammer and demolished the > 

i work, and no further stir has since been made. I 

j Dr. Cumberland, afterwards Bishop of Peterborough, was I 

Rector of this church from about 1670 to 1691. — See Cum- I 

berland. Dr. Stukely was also Hector from 1729 to 1747. > 

— See Stukely. ^ 

All Saints' Church in Water-street, was founded previous I 

to 1170, but was destroyed during the CiTil Wars of York s 

and Lancaster. \ 

All Saints' College at Wothorpe. — Speed mentions this \ 

college (of which no trace remains), and gives the value at \ 

its suppression, at £1. 19. 4., but when, and by whom foun- I 

ded, is not stated. \ 

All Saints' Fields, — These fields were stated in Mr. <J 

Dunn's Plan, in 1836, to be as follows, viz : — < 

OCCUPIED LANDS. a. r. p. a. r. p. \ 

KettonDale 538 2 19 > 

Pringle 165 3 27 I 

New Close 286 3 33 > 

Low 181 7 \ 

Breadcroft Meadow 34 20 > 

Broading- Meadow 44 1 29 ^ 

Enclosed Meadow 15 1 2 5 

1266 1 17 > 

WASTE AND COMMON. \ 

Several Pieces 11 2 27 > 

Lmgs(438*) 24 2 20 :^ 

Bull Meadow (670*) 10 6 ^ 

37 1 13 > 

COMMON ONLY IN MEADOW. > 

Several Pieces 3 3 16 \ 

BuU Meadow (5*) 3 39 ; 

7 6 > 

Unoccupied Land S^ 1 Sd ^ 

Total Land in the Parish , a1334 16 > 

i 

* Numbers in Mr. Dunn's Map. > 



12 



In Mai'cli, 1842, the apportionment in lieu of tithes in 
kind was stated to amount as follows — 

£. s. d. 

1259 acres at 75. lOd! 457 5 7 

Land belonging to the Eector of Saint Michael ...... 5 1 10 

Land belonging to the Kector of Saint John 1 11 4 

Land belonging to the Eector of Saint George 7 10 

£464 6 7 

Total, titheahle, 1319a. 3r. 30p, Tithe free, 29a. 1r. 19p. 

Freehold of the Marquis of Exeter, 648a. 3r. IOp. 

Freehold of James Torkington, Esq., 168a. Or. Op. 

All Saints' Parish Statistics. — Quantity of land is 1334a. 
Or. 16p. Length of roads under the repair of the parish is 
3 miles 1 furlong. Population of this parish was, in 1785, 
815; 1811, 11]4; 1821, 1326; 1831, 1769; 1841, males 
892, females 1086, total 1978 ; under 20 yeai's, males 405, I 



females 455; 20 years and upwards, males 487, females 
631 ; 1235 were born in Lincolnshire, — the rest elsewhere. 
Houses inhabited 399, uninhabited 7. In the 6 years, 
1837 to 1842 inclusive, there were 357 births, 212 deaths, 
and 78 marriages. Annual value of land, in 1837, was 
£1459.19.4.; tithe, .6200.; houses, £4359.9.8.; total, 
£6019. 9. Houses at and under £5., 189; from £5. to 
£10., 66; £10. to £20., 48; £20. to £30., 23; £30. to 
£40., 13; £40. to £50., 3; £50. to £60., 2; £60. to £70., 
4 ; £70. and upwards, 4 ; total, 352 houses. Persons rated, 
432. In September, 1845, there were 13 licensed victuallers 
and 2 beer-houses. — See Burgesses and Electors and Poor- 
Law Union. 

All Saints' Steeple — the height of which is 152 feet, was 
ascended by means of the crockets, by Henry Eichai-ds, 
fishmonger, and Thomas King, pa\ior, on the 4th of June, 
1816. Chai'les Blake, apprentice to Mr. J. Burton, slater, 
also ascended in the same manner, on the 9th of November, 
1827 ; and, it is a singular fact, that these three persons 
died, within a few weeks of each other, in 1844. 



\ 



13 



All Saints' -street. — This street, by the Saxons called 
Gannock-street, commences in the square in which the 
church from which it takes its name stands, and runs in a 
westerly direction to Saint Peter's-hill. It is irregularly 
built, containing a few houses evidently of an ancient date, 
and j oined with others of modern construction. The C atholic 
Chapel is situated in this street. — See Catholic Chapel. 

Almanack. — In the library of the " Spalding Gentleman's 
Society," several years ago, there was an almanack dated 
1625, " calculated for the famous and antient Borough of 
Stamford." 

Assembly Booms, built by Mr. Askew Kirke, dancing 
master, in 1725. The ball room is 75 feet long by 30 feet 
wide, and the height is 20 feet. There are card and tea rooms 
attached. The Marquis of Exeter is the owner, and Mrs. 
Cole the tenant. [Mr.H. Weldon has now succeeded Mrs. C] 

Assessment (Browning and Hacks), in May, 1837, gives — 
Land. Houses. Total. 

£. s. d. £. s. d. £. s. d. 

AllSaints' 1,459 19 4) 4359 9 8.. ..6,019 9 

Tithe 200 0| 

%ureT..:::::: Z'l ^} -.3.19019 0.... 3.743 1. ^ 

St.Michael 17 6 2 ....4,705 5 0.... 4,726 11 2 

St. John 40 4 .... 2,512 . . . . 2,516 4 

St. Martin 136 6 7 ....3,083 10 0.... 3,219 16 7 

St. Mary 00 .... 1,686 . . . . 1,686 

£2,370 5 7 £19,537 3 8 £21,907 9 3 

Augustine, or Austin Friars. — This Friary was situated 
opposite Eutland Terrace ; the College was founded by Wm. 
Fleming, of Stamford, about 1380. The west front was 80 
yards long, the south front 10 yards; the chapel on the 
north side 40 yards long, and 20 yards wide, — the latter from 
the westward ranging along the cloisters which are said to 
have been of the same length and breadth. The chapel 
ranged even with, and joined, the east, as the cloisters did 
to the west. The east front was also 80 yards long, making 



14 



an entire square, and leaving a court 30 yards wide each 
way. The discovery on the site of some stone pillars and 
windows, and some pieces of tesselated pavement finely 
glazed, which have been dug up at various times, gives an 
idea that the structure must have been one of grandeur as 
well as of great extent. The west front was faced by a 
beautiful garden, commanding a delightful view of the valley 
of the Welland and the stately woods of Easton. In 1711, 
some stones, richly carved with birds, beasts, fruits, and 
flowers, were dug up : a workman also found two ancient 
seals — one of them, about.the size of a halfpenny, represented 
the bust of a bearded man, and bore the inscription " Sigil- 
liim Hiigonis Capellani." The other contained a represen- 
tation in the centre, of the Blessed Virgin and Child ; at the 
top a shield, with three Bishop's mitres, and at the bottom, 
a Bishop in a supplicating posture: the inscription on the 
latter was " SigUhim D'ni. (Domini) Thome Dei Gracia 
Elphinensis Ep'i" (Episcopi). Mr. Peck supposes it to have 
belonged to Thomas Barret, Archdeacon Enachdun, who was 
consecrated in 1372, and died in 1404. Among the learned I 
persons who flourished within tlie walls of this convent in > 
the fourteenth century, were Thomas Winton, the Pro\incial S 
of the whole order in England, and William de Steneford s 
(William of Stamford), a man of great learning and an ^ 
eloquent preacher. Eichard Wai'ner was its last Prior, I 
who, with the remaining five friars, surrendered it Octo- I 
ber the 6th, 1539. The site was granted to Edward, Lord > 
Clinton, by Edward VI, in the sixtli year of his reign. > 
The Lord Treasurer Bm'ghley died possessed of it in 1598, ^ 
and it now belongs to the Mai*quis of Exeter. ] 

Austin-street, or Augustine-street, is situate between St. ^ 
Peter's-hill and the Austin Friary; that pai't on the east > 
side of King's Mill-lane, which it crosses, is called Austin- < 
street east, and that on the other is styled Austin-street west. ^ 

Bacon (Roger), an EngUsh monk, born at Ilchester, Som- n 
erset, in 1214, was educated at Oxford and at Paiis, entered \ 
the Franciscan order in his twenty-fifth yeai', and returned \ 



15 



to Oxford. His lectures and experiments, in which he dis- \ 

played talent and knowledge far transcending what was pos- ; 

sessed hy his contemporaries, soon excited wonder and envy : I 

his admirers gave him the deserved title of " the wonderful > 

doctor ;" his stupid and malignant enemies accused him of > 

magic : the latter prevailed. His lectures were interdicted, s 

and he was confined to his cell : his seclusion lasted ten j 

years — during which he composed many excellent works. ] 

He himself collected several of his writings, and gave to the ] 

collection the title of " Opus Majus." After having obtained > 

his liberty, he died in 1292. Gunpowder, the camera obscura, ^ 

the burning glass, and the telescopic properties of convex > 

and concave glasses, seem to have been known to him, and \ 

his acquirements in every science were truly surprising. He I 

wrote about eighty treatises. This celebrated scholar resided > 

for some time at the Brazennose coUege at Stamford. A j 

curious legend is yet current, that Friar Eoger, on some ^ 

particular occasion, set his servant to watch when the brass > 

head (which formed the knocker at the gate) spoke. The > 

head, says the story, did speak, and immediately flew to 5 

pieces. The prophecy was that, if the man had snatched > 

the ring from the head when it was speaking, Stamford would ^ 

instantly have been walled round with brass. — See College, ] 

Balloon Ascents, — Mr. Green's first ascent, from Stamford n 

Gas-works, took place on the 2nd of July, 1825 ; he was \ 

accompanied by Miss Stocks, and the balloon descended \ 

safely at Thorney. Upwards of 20,000 persons were assem- j 

bled near the gas-works to witness this novel spectacle. \ 

September 11th, 1826, Mr. C. Green, accompanied by Mr. \ 

O. N. Simpson and Mr. W. Keed, (the present Chief Con- \ 

stable,) ascended from the same gas-works. August 18th, \ 

1828, Mr. Green ascended alone, and alighted at Coney \ 
Weston, 12 miles from Bury Saint Edmunds. October 8th, 
1841, Mr. Gypson, accompanied by Mr. 0. N, Simpson and 
Mr. Samuel Sharp, of Stamford, and Mr. Warsop, junior, of 
Alconbury Hill, ascended from the Stamford gas-works, and, 
after a short ride, alighted in Burghley Park. 



16 



Banks. — There are one Private, and two Joint Stock 
Banks, of which the official returns give the following, viz: — 

Stamford and Rutland (Private Bank) — Eaton, Cayley, and 
Co., established 1800. Authorised issue, £31,858. 
London Agents, Mastei-man, Peters, and Co. Principal 
office, Stamford ; Branches — Uppingham and Oakham. 

Stamford, Spalding, and Boston Banking Company, esta- 
blished December, 1831 — 80 partners. Amount of 
issue, ^655,721. London Agents, Barclay and Co. Prin- 
cipal office, Stamford; Branches — Boston, Bourn, 
Crowland, Market Deeping, Melton Mowbray, Oakham, 
\ Oundle, Peterborough, Spalding, Spilsby, Uppingham, 

and Wainfleet. Manager, Orlando Edmonds, Esq. 

Northamptonshire Banking Company, established May 13, 
1836—221 partners. Paid Capital, £57,205. Amount 
of issue, £26,401. London Agents, London and West- 
minster Bank; Principal office, Northampton; Branches 
— Daventry, Wellingborough, and Stamford. Dividend, 
£5. per cent. Manager at Stamford, Robt. Sandall, Esq. 

Bellairs' Bank stopped payment, 1814. 

Bank for Savings. — This bank was opened in March, 1818, 
under the patronage of the Mai-quis of Exeter and the Earl 
of Winchelsea. Several Trustees were appointed, including 
the Earl of Lindsey, Sir John Trollope, Bart., Gen. Birch 
Eeynardson, Dr. Willis, E. Brown, S. E. Fydell, G. V. Neun- 
berg, and H. Fiyer, Esquires. The subscriptions at the 
commencement were numerous, and amongst which were 
the following, \iz ; — 

£. s. d. 

The Marquis of Exeter 100 

The late Earl of Winchelsea 100 

The late Eaii of Lindsey 50 

The late Lord Heniker 26 5 

Sir John TroUope, Bart 20 

The late Dr. ^YiUis 20 



I 



The interest at its commencement was £4. per cent. In \ 



17 



1843, the interest was ^3. 8. 5|, and in 1845, £2. 18. 4. \ 

In the first month there were 117 depositors, and the receipts j 

amounted to £1900. i 

From the last account, ending November 20th. 1845, it ; 

appeal's that the balance due was ££57,615; received of I 

Depositors, £9,232. I 

Depositors. Total of each Class. > 

813 whose respective Balances, on the 20th Novem- £. s. d. \ 
ber, including- Interest, did not exceed £20. 

each 5,953 10 8^ 

474 were above £20. and not exceeding- £50. each.. 14,754 8 6^ 

214 were above £50. and not exceeding £100. each 14,783 16 6f 

71 were above £100. and not exceeding £150. each 8,611 3 8^ 

43 were above £150. and not exceeding £200. each 7,186 7 8| 

11 ditto exceeding £200 2,624 2 3f 



1626 Total Number of Depositors 53,913 9 6^ 

38 Charitable Societies 1,675 6 8 

17 Friendly Societies 3,839 1 9^ 



The last yeai-'s accounts show an increase of 74 Deposi- 
tors, and £3272. 0. 3j-. in capital, on the previous year's 
statement. 



GENERAL STATEMENT. 

£. s. d. 
Eeceived from the commencement of the Institution, 

31st March, 1818, to the 20th November, 1845, in- 
clusive, of 4412 Depositors, in 21,844 sums 169,661 16 If 

Amount of Interest on Monies invested 38,507 10 3 

Amount of original Subscription Money for esta- 
blishing Institution, and Interest. 938 13 7^ 



1681 Total Number of Accounts £59,428 17 llf ] 



I 



£209,108 0| 



18 



Cr. £. s. d. 

Paid to Depositors from the commencement of the 
Institution to the 20th Nov., 1845, in 6908 sums. . 144,713 8 9^ 

Amount of expenses of establishing and conducting 
the Institution from the 31st March, 1818, to the 
20th November, 1845, inclusive 3,173 14 5 



147,887 3 2i 



Amount invested mth the Commis- £. s. d. 

sioners for the Reduction of the 

National Debt 59,279 14 11| 

Ditto Resented Fund 1,224 1 4 

Amount of Auxiliary Fimd invested in 

the 3 per cent. Consols 333 1 6 

Balance in hands of Treasurer 383 19 OJ 



61,220 16 9| > 

\ 

£209,108 0^ I 

Mr. Nathaniel Farrant has been Secretary since its com- I 

mencement. The office was at the Town-haU until 1843, ] 

when it was removed to a house in Saint Peter's-street. > 

The days for transacting business are Tuesdays and Fridays. \ 

Baptist Chapel. — The General Baptists here are not nu- ^ 

merous, and cannot be dated eaiiier than 1826, when their l 

number did not exceed 20. On the 30th September, 1829, > 

six persons were baptized by immersion in the river Welland, ^ 

a few yards west of the Lammas bridge, when upwards of I 

2000 persons were present. Several other public baptisms I 

soon after took place, and this sect gained sufficient means > 

to hire a house in Bath-row, in 1835, which they converted I 

into a chapel. ] 

Barn-kill — so called from its having been the site of a > 

large barn (where the Methodist chapel now stands), and > 

fai-m yai'd, belonging to Mr. Alderman Wolph, in 1038. It I 

is situated north of All Saints' church. ^/See Charles I. \ 

Barons. — The barons met at Stamford, in Easter week, \ 

1215, with an army of 2000 knights, besides yeomen on > 



BAT 19 > 

I 

horseback, servants, and footmen in divers sorts of armour, I 

to oppose King John: the chief leaders were "Kobert Fitz- i 

water, Eustace Vescy, Richarde Percy, Robert Roos, Peter > 

de Breuse, Nicholas de Stonteville, Saer Earle of Winches- ) 

ter, Henry Earle of Clare, Richard Earle Bygot, Wilham de I 

Mowbray, William de Cressy, Raufe Fitz-Robert, Robert de > 

Vere, Fulke Fitz-Warren, William Mallet, William de Mon- ^ 

teacute, WiUiam de Beauchamp, Simon de Kime, William I 

Mai-shall the younger, William Manduyt, Robert de Mont- \ 

bigonis, John Fitz-Roberte, John Fitz-Alane, G. Lavale, O. I 

Fitz-Alain, W. de Hoburg, O. de Vales, G. de Gaunt, Maurice I 

de Gaunt, Robert de Brakesley, Robert de Mountfichet, > 

William de Lanvalley, G. de MaundeviHe Earle of Essex, <, 

W. his brother, W. de Huntingfield, R. de Gresley, G. Cone- I 

stable of Menton, Alexander de Panton, P. Fitz- John, Alex- > 

ander de Sutton, Osbert de Body, John Conestable of Chester, > 

Thomas de Mulcton, Conant Fitz-Hely, and many others. I 

They had also of counsel with them as chief, the Archbishop I 

of Canterburie." From Stamford they marched to Saint Ed- ^ 

munsbury (Bury Saint Edmunds), and thence to London. ] 

William Earle Warren (Lord of Stamford), William Earle \ 

of Albemarle, William de Albiney (who afterwards built ^ 

Newstead), and Ranulph Earle of Chester, joined the side ' 

of the Barons, and renounced aid to King John. On the ■: 

15th June following, the Magna Charta was signed at Run- > 

nimede by the advice of William Earle Warren. ^ 

Baths- — situated in Bath-row, west of Lammas -bridge, '_ 

were erected for the use of the public by Dr. Coleby, Dr. ; 

Wilson, Dr. Denham, and Mr. John Hepburn, surgeon, in ^ 

1722 : they are now in the possession of the Marquis of J 

Exeter, and were greatly improved in 1828. > 

Battles. — The first battle with the Saxons and the Plots I 

and Scots was at Stamford, in 449, in which the Saxons were / 

defeated. The Danes burnt and ravaged many Towns and [ 

Villages east of Stamford, and a battle ensued, when the ) 

British, headed by one Harding of Ryhall, were defeated, ^ 

but not without great loss on the side of the enemy, 870. The • 



20 



Danes were defeated on Wittering Heath by Edward the 
Elder, 921. Stamford being the Danish head quarters, Ed- 
wai'd advanced to reduce the town, but the Danes yielded 
without any difficulty, 922. The battle of Losecoat-field 
took place at Horne-field, in the parish of Empingham, (and 
not between Stamford and Little Casterton,) on the 13th of 
March, 1470, between Edward IV. and the Lancastrians, \ 
headed by Sir Eobert Welles, of Hellow, and Sir Thomas de \ 
la Launde, of Horbling, who were both taken prisoners and > 
beheaded at Doncaster seven days after. It is estimated s 
that 10,000 men fell in this battle ; the field in which the I 
action was fought still retains the name of the "Bloody \ 
Oaks." The Lancastrians, it is said, threw off their coats I 
in order to make a quicker retreat, and thus gave the name \ 
to the battle. Butcher says this victory induced the King I 
to allow (as a token of his especial favor), the town to bear I 
the Royal Arms on a surcoat, namely, Mai-s, three lions pas- l 
sant gardant Sol ; impaled with cheeky sapphire and topaz, ^ 
the former arms of the Eai'ls Warren. \ 

' Bazaars. — In the Midlent fair week, 1828, a bazaar was \ 
held for the benefit of the Stamford and Rutland Infirmary, ] 
when the receipts amounted to 5^1754; and on the 17th of > 
July, 1834, a bazaar was opened for the benefit of the 
Stamford and Saint Martin's Infant School, the proceeds 
amounting to £500., of which £100. was voted towards the 
re-building of Saint Michael's church. 

Beadle — an officer of the Corporation, whose duties are to 
attend the Mayor, serve summonses, &c., and act as consta- 
ble ; he resides in a house at the Portico. He is provided 
with a gold-laced cocked hat, scarlet coat with green facings, 

I green cloth waistcoat, and gi-een plush breeches. 

] Beer-houses. — In 1837, there were 14; in 1845, 5. — See 

\ Public houses. 

] Bells in Stamford. — Saint Mary's church contains 8 ; All 

I Saints' 6 ; Saint Michael's G ; Saint George's 4 ; Saint 

\ John's 4 ; Saint Martin's 3 ; of the latter, one is cracked — 

s 

} but we hear that, in consequence of the interference of the 



21 



Archdeacon, tlie tkree ai'e sliortly to be re-cast and two new 
ones added. 

Bell Foundry, — Tliere was a foundry in Stamford for 
casting bells, conducted by Mr. Tobie Norris, about 1670. 
Mr. Norris died NoTember 7tli, 1676, and was buried in tlie 
north aisle of Saint George's Church. 

Bellman. — This ofScer (sometimes called Billmayi, from 
his bearing a bill for the double purpose of arms and for \ 
chopping down parts of wooden houses which he might j 
discover to be on fire, to stop the flames), was first appointed | 
in the reign of Queen Mary, in January 1556, in London, i 
where he went about all night with a bell, and at every lane ^ 
end gave warning of fire and candle, and " to helpe the > 
poor and pray for the dead." The office of bellman, at Stam- 5 
ford, there is reason to believe, was established about the e 
same time, and for the same purpose. He commences his > 
duties at Saint Simon and Saint Jude Fair, and goes his > 
rounds from midnight until about two in the morning, three 
times a week, (on those nights which are omitted by the 
Waits,) here and there ringing his bell and calhng out 
" Good morning to my worthy masters and mistresses all, — 
past one, fine morning" (as the case may be). On Christ- 
mas morning he used to call — 

" Arise ! arise ! fair maids arise, 

Pick yoiir plums and make your pies ; 

Do not spend your masters' or mistress' goods in waste. 

But let the poor bellman have a taste." 

About ten years since, the then new bellman changed this 
rhyme for the first verse of the Christmas Hymn — 

"Hark ! tlie herald angels sing, 
Glory to the new bom king ; 
Peace on earth, and mercy mild, 
God and sinners reconciled." 

He leaves ofi" at Christmas, when he presents a " Cojjy of 
Verses humbly addressed to his worthy masters and mis- 
tresses," and receives the voluntaiy gifts of the townspeople. 



22 



Benefit Societies. — The Friendly Society of several Trades \ 

and Callings, was established in 1765, at the house of \ 

Mr. Simpson, Bull and Swan Inn, Saint Martin's ; after- s 

wards removed to the Horns, Broad-street ; thence to the > 

Black Swan ; and subsequently to the Koe-buck, where > 

it is stiU held. There are upwards of 90 members belong- \ 

ing to this society, the rules of which do not admit of more > 

than 100 subscribing members. ) 

< \ 
\ The Tradesman's Loyal Society of Good Fellowship. — This \ 
f society was established at an Inn in Scotgate, in 1788, ^ 

V and afterwai'ds removed to the Old Salutation Inn, All > 
\ Saints'- street; thence to the New Salutation Inn, Broad- ' 
\ street; and subsequently to the Dolphin, where it was \ 
\ held until April, 1838, when the society removed to the \ 
\ Carpenters' Arms, Saint Leonard's-street, which, with 4 \ 
c tenements, they purchased for about £1000. The ob- \ 
\ jects ai-e for mutual provision in sickness, and for the \ 

< decent interment of the members and their wives. This I 
^ society is enrolled, and has about 130 members. The > 

< anniversary is held on the last Monday in September. ] 

< c 
^ Stamford Loyal Independent Order of Odd Fellows (No. 6, >' 
^ Nottingham Order), Established Apiil 16th, 1800, and > 
'^ Dissolved July 1st, 1844. > 
^ On the 1st July, 1844, a special meeting of the whole l 
r Lodge was held at the George and Angel Inn, for the > 
^ purpose of making alterations in the rules, as the out- ' 
;: payments had, for a length of time, far exceeded the ^ 
J income ; and, on a fair and careful calculation (prepared > 
' by the secretary and others), it was fully shown that the I 

< existence of the society, "aZZ circumstances considered," I 
{ was limited to a very short period. — The novelty of Odd \ 
\ Fellowship had, in fact, considerably subsided amongst < 

V the members : the pubhc display of the regalia and lodge \ 
\ banners was thought to be unnecessary and obtnisive ; ^ 

< and as this part of the ceremony of the order had been \ 
i discontinued, and many of the members were declining in ':j 



23 



the vale of years, the attraction for young aspirants to 
odd fellowship were not so powerful in this as in many 
other lodges of recent formation, whose annual exhibi- 
tions excited the wondering attention of the admirers of 
emblematical symbols, banners, and music. Only one 
member had been made since 1836 ; and the funds of the 
Lodge, which at one period amounted to £1400. had 
dwindled down to less than jSQOO. The calls upon the 
stock were indeed annually increasing, while at the same 
time there was a declining revenue : it became necessary, 
\ therefore, either to reduce the allowance to sick and feeble 
I members, or to dissolve the society. The alteration was 
( proposed at the special meeting above referred to, when 
I it was unanimously resolved to break up the Lodge and 

< divide the Stock — all those who had received out of the 

< funds more than £bO. to be allowed ^£10. each, and all 
5 who had received less than that sum to share the residue 
\ after paying aU contingencies. 

J At this meeting the Lodge entered into a subscription 

^ to present two of their officers with a suitable mark of es- 

c teem ; and, accordingly, two very handsome silver cups 

< were presented to 3Ir. J. Horden, High-street, and Mr. 
J W. Oldham, Saint Paul's-street, beaiing the following 

inscriptions : — 

" This token of respect is presented to Mr. John Horden by the 
Brethren of the Stamford Lodge of Odd PeUows, Xo. 6, expressive 
of their estimation of his valuable services as one of their Treasurers. 
January, 1845." 

\ *' To Mr. WiUiam Oldham, who for several years faithfully and 

\ efficiently discharged the duties of Secretary to the Stamford Inde- 

< pendent Lodge of Odd Lellows (Xo. 6), this Memento of their 

< affectionate regard is gratefully offered by the Brethren of the Lodge, 
\ January, 1845." 

\ 

S The last member who died whilst the society was in 

J existence was John Jeffries, who had received from the 

: society, including his funeral expenses, nearly ^'315. 



24 



Union Benefit Society, establislied May 16tli, 1820, in the 
School-room of Mr. J. Pearson, Saint Leonard's-street. It 
numbers 130 members, and is governed by a President and 
Treasurer, two Stewards, two Assistants, and a Clerk. The 
anniversary is held on the Fourth Monday in May. 

Eoyal Society of United Brethren, established in February, 
1829, at the New Salutation Inn, Broad-street: it was 
closed in 1840, when part of the members formed a Club 
at the Cross Keys Inn, Saint Mary's-street, in 1841, where 
it now continues and numbers about 50 members. 

Albion Lodge of Odd Fellows, Manchester Unity, No. 1556, 
for mutual relief in sickness and distress, and assisting 
each other when in search of employment, was opened 
by the Bourn District, September 18th, 1838, at the 
Black Swan Inn, Broad-street ; it was removed to the 
Crown Inn, March 5th, 1839 ; on the 25th June, 1839, 
to the Lord Nelson ; and subsequently to the Boat Inn, 
Saint Mary's-hill, where it still remains, and numbers 130 
members. The anniversary is held on the Second Monday 
in July. The above Lodge was made a District in July, 
1841, to which the following have been added: — 

NAME OF LODGE. NO. HOSTS. WHERE HELD. 

Good Intent 1504 Keddish.. Millstone, Kyhall. 

Lord Burghersh.... 1704 Johnson.. Queen's Head, Apethorpe. 

Perseverance 2517 Pickering Ked Lion, Barnack. 

Pride of the Village 2290 Collins . . Slater's Arms, Easton. 

Trafalgar 2944 Sharman . Hose & CroTMi, Uppingham 

Heart of Oak 2955 Turner... Horse Shoe, Stamford. 

Constitution 2945 Clarke. . . . King's Head,Easton Magna 

Prince of Wales ... . 3152 Bates. . . . Exeter's Arms, Barrowden. 

Prince Albert 3207 Hickling Nag's Head, Deenethorpe. 

Wansford in England 2277 Percival.. Haycock, Wansford. 

The number of members in the Stamford District is 
upwards of 500. Total number of members in the Unity, 
254,000. Connected with the Stamford Lodge is a Widow 
and Orphans' Institution, which was commenced January 
1st, 1845, and has 100 members. 



25 



< Ancient Order of Foresters, Court 1084, was opened the 30th 
\ November, 1840, at the Three Tuns in Saint Leonard- 
5 street, and removed to the Stamford Arms, Saint Mary's- 

< street, in January, 1844, where it is still held. This 
i Court is governed by a Chief Ranger, Sub-chief Eanger, 

< Treasurer and Secretary, senior and junior Woodwards, 
I senior and lunior Beadles, and has above 60 members. 

I 

5 The Stamford Provident Society, established in January, 

^ 1846, is held in the School-room belonging to Star-Lane 

^ Chapel: the objects are to provide against illness and for 

\ funerals. They are to have an Annual Tea Meeting the 

i First Tuesday in June. 

[ Benevolent Society. — This Society was instituted in 1814, 

\ for visiting the sick and distressed poor at their own habita- 

^ tions, and discontinued in 1819 ; was re-commenced in 1828, 

\ and is chiefly under the management of the Wesleyan 

< Methodists, although persons of all denominations are sub- 
\ scribers. The receipts of the past year only amounted to 
\ £\1, 18. 11., of which £13. 12. 6. was raised by 32 sub- 
\ scribers, and ^4. 6. 5. collected at the Annual Sermons at 

> Barn-hill Chapel. 

- Benniwerk, Saint Mary's Church, stood on the site of the 

'j present tithe-yard of All Saints', just within Saint Peter's 

c gates. This church was valued in the taxation of Pope 

> Nicholas at £2. 6. 8. It was destroyed by the "Northern 
\ Men," and the Rectoiy, appropriated to the Prior and Chapter 
\ of Durham, was united to Saint Peter's. 

Bertie (the Hon. Charles), son of Montague Earl of 
Lindsey, represented Stamford in Paiiiament for thirty 
years, during which time he maintained an unspotted repu- 
tation. He was a man of great knowledge and valour; he 
travelled through France, Spain, Italy, Germany, Holland, 
Flanders, Denmark, Sweden, and Poland. He attended 
George Duke of Albemarle, General to Charles II, in two 
great battles fought against the Dutch at sea. The first 
battle was in June, 1666, and lasted three days ; when the 



26 -- '-' 



English had 10 ships taken and burnt, 1700 men killed and 
wounded, and 200 taken prisoners. The Dutch lost 15 ships, 
1 Admiral, 21 Captains, and 5000 seamen. It was on this 
occasion that chain-shot was invented by the Dutch, which 
did much damage to the English ships. — In 1672, he accom- 
panied the Duke of York in the engagement in Southwold 
\ bay ; the battle was very obstinately fought from morning 
\ till evening : several great ships and some thousands of men 
were destroyed, including the Earl of Sandwich, Admiral of 
the Blue, whose ship was set on fire and blown up. In 1678, 
the Hon. Chailes Bertie presented the Corporation with the 
large mace, and in 1685, he again made the town a present 
of a silver punch-bowl, weighing 161bs, 7oz., and holding 
five gallons. He died in 1710. 

Bertie (the Hon. Philip), represented Stamford from 1690 
to 1698. This gentleman built Uf&ngton House, now the 
residence of the Earl of Lindsey. The following is a curious 
list of expenses incuiTed at the election of himself and 
brother in 1695:-— 

£. s. d. 

Saint Michael's Eingers 4 

Two Serjeants 3 00 

The Waits 2 00 

TheBeUman 10 

The Constables , 100 

Carrying- the two Chairs , 2 

Boards for poUing- 10 

More boards for the cross , 5 

The Poor 5 

The BuU 3 

Bill of Mr. Wyldman, of the George Inn, St. Martin's 17 5 4 

4*34 14 4 

Bertram de Verdun, of Stamford, one of the six Judges, 
gave to Croxden Abbey aU the land he had at Stamford, and 
his mill, which stood between the Bridge and the Castle, 
in the year 1176. 

Bible Society (Stamford and Rutland). — President, the 
Earl of Gainsborough; Secretaries, the Hon. and Kev. Le- 



27 



land Noel, the Hon. and Eev. G. A. Stuart, and tlie Eev. G. 
Foster. This society was formed in 1812, and has Deposi- 
tories at Mr. Wellington's, druggist, Oakham; Mr. Oliver's, 

bookseUer, Uppingham ; and the Eev. Thos. Islip's, Inde- \ 

pendent Minister, Stamford. From the Society's Eeport in \ 

1845, it appears that within the last year 423 Bibles and 5 

377 Testaments were distributed, and in the preceding year > 

823 Bibles and 1085 Testaments were distributed; and that i 

21,650 copies of the Scriptures have been distiibuted doling I 

the thirty-three years. There are 7 members for life, viz. — > 

the Earl of Gainsborough, who gave £50. ; G. Finch. Esq., l 

M.P., (11 donations) J^IOS. 10.; Sir G. Heathcote, Bart., \ 

£60. ; the Hon. and Eev. G. Noel, £10. 10. ; the Hon. W. \ 

M.Noel, £15.; Stafford O'Brien, Esq., £21.; the Hon. ] 

Mrs. O'Brien, £10. 10. ; and upwards of 50 annual subscri- I 

bers (each paying £1. 1.) and benefactors. The decrease > 

in the number of copies of the Scriptui-es sold in the year \ 

ending July 24th, 1845, is not to be attributed to a lack in > 

the demand for Bibles, but to the late reduction in the price s 

of such books, which may now be obtained of any bookseller ? 

at nearly the same charge. — See Society for Promoting \ 

Christian Knowledge, \ 

Bishops of Lincoln, — As Stamford has always been un- \ 

der the Ecclesiastical government of the See of Lincoln, a > 

short account of the diocese, with a list of the Prelates, will \ 

not be out of place. Early writers state that nine prelates \ 

at one period occupied the see of Sidnacester, and that under <; 

the tenth, whose name was Leovinus, the dioceses of Lindsey > 

and Leicester were united in 951, and the see transferred y 

to Dorchester, about 8 miles from Oxford ; whence Eemigius > 
IX removed it to Lincoln in 1086. It was this Bishop who 
commenced the building of the Cathedi-al, which he dedicated 
to the Blessed Virgin Maiy, and endowed with 44 prebends. 
He died May 9, 1092. It is related of Eemigius that he 
was accustomed to feed 1000 poor persons daily for three 
\ months in every year. 



28 BIS i 



Robert Bloet, a Norman, cliaplain to the Conqueror, sue- \ 

ceeded Remigius ; he added 21 prebends and endowed them, ^ 

and the see of Ely was taken out of that of Lincoln. He ^ 

died of apoplexy, at Woodstock, whilst riding and talking to < 

King Henry I, January 10, 1123. i 

Alexander de Blois was the next Bishop : he was conse- i 

S crated July 22, 1123 ; the Cathedral was burnt down and \ 

i re-built in his time. De Blois was also Chief Justice of < 

( England. He died July 20, 1147, and was succeeded by I 

> Robert de Chisney, who erected the greater part of the J 

< Episcopal Palace in Lincoln, and died in January, 1167. S 

J For the next six years no Bishop was chosen; but at the i 

expiration of that time, Geoffrey Plantagenet, second son of i 

Fair Rosamond by Hem-y II, was appointed. He did not, ? 

however, visit his diocese, nor was he consecrated : he re- > 

signed in 1182, on being made Chancellor of England, and > 

was succeeded by J 

Walter de Constantis, who was translated to the Bishop- < 

rick of Rouen, in Normandy, in 1184. | 

The see was again vacant for two years, when Hugh, a 
man of exemplary piety, was appointed. Hugh died in 
London, November 17, 1200, and his body was conveyed to 
Lincoln for interment. On passing through Stamford, the 
following incident (by some considered a miracle) occurred. 
Capgi'ave says, "When they came to Stanford, a harmless, 
honest man, much addicted to devotion, (a shoemaker by 
trade,) bowing his head under the bier, and lifting up his 
eyes and hands to heaven, fell a praying after this manner: 
I thank thee, Father of Mercies and God of all consolation, 
that thou hast been pleased to have pity on me and hast 
comforted me, and (which I have in this world above all 
things desired), on my attempting to set the shoulder of my 
sinful body to the most holy body of this thy servant, that 
I have merited to approach him who hath so faithfully 
served thee. I beseech thee, therefore. Almighty God, let 
my soul be this night with the soul of thy servant in Para- 
dise, where I question not but he already is. He had no 



BIS 29 I 

— — ^ — ^ 

sooner said thus, but lie went home, confessed himself, made \ 

his will, received the sacrament, and presently after quietly \ 

died." He was canonized at Rome in 1230, and on October 7, i 

1282, his bones were put into a shrine of silver or gold, I 

which was stolen during the Reformation. He was sue- \ 

ceeded by \ 

William de Blois in 1201, who died in 1206. \ 

Hugh Wallis was consecrated in 1209, and died in 1234. \ 

Robert Grosthead, a Popish Reformer, *' a man of great \ 

wisdom and piety," was consecrated in 1235, and died Octo- \ 

ber 9, 1253. 

Henry Lexington, promoted to the see December 30, s 

1253, and died August 18, 1258. His successor was I 

Benedict de Gravesend, who died December 18, 1279. \ 

Oliver Sutton, died suddenly whilst in the very act of > 

prayer, November 13, 1299. \ 

John de Alderby, died January 5, 1319. \ 

Thomas Beake, or Le Bee, died early in 1320. ^ 

Henry Berghersh, died at Ghent in December, 1340. \ 

Thomas Beake, or Le Bee (the second), died Feb. 1, 1346. \ 

John Synwell, was consecrated in 1347, and in 1352 ; ] 

this Prelate granted a licence to Friar Roger de Lis, of the \ 

Blackfriary at Stamford, to be confessor for one year, and to \ 

give absolutions, &c. He died August 4, 1362. < 

John Buckingham, retired to a convent in 1398. < 

Henry Beaufort, translated to Winchester in 1404. \ 

Philip Repingdon, for some time a supporter of the opin- \ 

ions of Wickliffe ; he recanted in 1408. He resigned his \ 

Bishoprick in 1420, and died about 1423. ^ 

Richard Fleming, died at Sleaford, January 25, 1430. < 

William Gray, died at Buckden, 1435. ^ 

William Alnwick, died December 5, 1449. \ 

Marmaduke Lumley, died 1451. \ 

John Chadworth, died November 23, 1471. ( 

Thomas Scott, called Rotherham, translated to York in 1480 \ 

John Russell, died at Nettleham, Januaiy 30, 1494. \ 

WiUiam Smith, died January 2, 1513. \ 



30 



Thomas Wolsey (afterwai'ds Cai-dinal), consecrated March 
26, 1514, and translated to York in a few months. 

William Atwater, died February 4, 1520. 

John Longland, died May 7, 1547. During the Prelate's 
life, Henry VIII siezed all the treasures and some of the 
lands belonging to the Cathedral. 

Henry Holbeach, a pliant tool of Henry VIII, was trans- 
lated to the see of Lincoln in 1547, in the first year of 
Edward VI, and surrendered all his episcopal estates in one 
day ; thereby reducing it from one of the richest to one of 
the poorest bishopricks. He died August 12, 1551. 

John Taylor was a zealous protestant, and deprived of his 
see by Queen Mary. 

John White (1553), translated to Winchester. 

Thomas Watson (1557), deprived on the accession of 
Mary. This prelate obtained for the see several estates, in- I 
stead of those which had been surrendered by Bishop } 
Holbeach. | 

Nicholas Bullingham (1559), translated to Worcester. \ 
He surrendered all that his predecessor had obtained, and < 
when he had stripped the see of its recent wealth, he got I 
himself translated to a richer one. \ 

Thomas Cowper (1570), translated to Winchester. 

WiUiam Wickham (1584), translated to Winchester. 

WiUiam Chaderton (1555), much commended for his 
learning and piety. 

William Barlow (1608), took a considerable share in 
most of the political transactions of his time. 

Richard Neile (1613), afterwards archbishop of York. 

George Montaigne (1617), who, like his predecessor and 
successor, was afterwai'ds archbishop of York. 

John Williams (1621), was a distinguished character 
during the turbulent reign of Charles I. and the Common- 
wealth. 

Thomas Winiffe (1642), who, during the civil wars, saw 
himself deprived of all his temporalities. He was a man of 
great learning, piety, and charity. 



31 



< Robert Sanderson (1660), greatly distingnished as an i 
\ antiquarian and casuist. > 
\ Benjamin Lancy (1663), translated to Ely. I 
\ William Fuller (1667J, had been previously dean of St. > 
I Patrick's, Dublin, and bisliop of Limerick. > 
I Thomas Barlow (1675). He was one of those who voted ^ 
I that James had abdicated the throne, and took the oaths to \ 

> William and Mary. ^ 

> Thomas Tennison (1692), translated to Canterbury. \ 

> James Gardiner (1694), distinguished for the exemplary ^ 
\ discharge of his episcopal duties. \ 

> WiUiam Wake (1705), translated to Canterbury. \ 
^ Edmund Gibson (1715), translated to London. I 
] Richard Reynolds (1723), generally considered to have n 
i been a man of more than ordinary endowments. He was \ 
\ pious, charitable, and of a most blameless life. ^ 
\ John Thomas (1740), translated to Salisbury. ^ 

> John Green (1761). Bishop Green was the only prelate ^ 
) who, in 1772, voted in favour of the BiU for the ReUef of \ 
I Protestant Dissenters. ^ 
^ Thomas Thurlow (1779), translated to Durham. > 
I Sir George Pretyman Tomline, Bart. (1787), translated ^ 
J to Winchester. i 
\ George Pelham (1820— died February 7, 1827), in the \ 

< discharge of his episcopal duties could not be surpassed in ^ 
\ urbanity of manners or benevolence of heart. ^ 
\ John Kaye, D.D., F.R.S., the present Lord Bishop of I 
] Lincoln, visitor of King's College, Cambridge, and Lincoln > 
) and Brazen-nose Colleges, Oxford, and of Eton. This dis- ^ 
\ tinguished prelate, who is no less remarkable for his diocesan \ 
] activity and judgment, than for his theological and scholastic \ 
] attainments, was born about the year 1782, of humble but \ 

> respectable parents. At an early age he entered Christ's. \ 
\ College, Cambridge, where, in 1804, he passed his final ex- I 
\ amination with almost unprecedented distinction, being I 

> declared senior wrangler, first medalist, and second Smith's ^ 
\ prize-man. He was both senior wrangler and senior meda- \ 



32 



list, to wliich united honours but four have ever attained. \ 

, Shortly after he took his degree of M.A., in 1807, he became \ 

I tutor to the Marquis of Bute, who, on coming of age, it is ^ 

^ said, presented him with the munificent sum of £20,000. — i 

> only a moiety of which, however, he could be prevailed upon j 
I to take. In 1814, he obtained the mastership of his college, \ 
I when he took the degTee of B.D. ; that of D.D. was shortly | 

> afterwai'ds granted him by royal mandate. In 1815, he > 
I served the ofBce of vice-chancellor to the university, and in \ 
I the foUoTNing year succeeded Dr. Watson, (who was promoted \ 
^ to the see of Llandaff,) in the regius professorship of Divi- 

l nity. On the death of Dr. Mans ell. Bishop of Bristol, in 

\ 1820, Dr. Kaye was appointed to the vacant see; for wliich 

< elevation, as well as for his subsequent translation to the 

^ Bishoprick of Lincoln, in 1827, he was indebted to the inte- 

l rest of his noble pupil the Marquis of Bute. He resigned 

> the mastership of his college in 1830. 

I His lordship's most important work is the " Ecclesiastical 

I Histoiy of the Second and Third Centuries, illustrated from 

> the writings of TertuUian ;" — " the design of which," he tells 

> us in the preface, " is to collect for the use of the theological 
I student those passages of Clement's writings which serve to 
i illustrate the doctrines and the practice of the Church at 
; this day." It contains, besides, many most valuable opinions 
$ on the doctrines of Christianity, and on the disputes and 
^ differences of the eai-ly writers. 

i His lordship is tolerant towards dissenters, and is much 

^ beloved by persons of all denominations. During the rule of 

\ the xjresent Bishop, Leicestershire has been taken from the 

> see of Lincoln and added to that of Peterborough. In 1839, 
I Nottinghamshire was transferred from the see of York to 
^ that of Lincoln. The Ecclesiastical Commissioners have 
I also determined that Buckinghamshire shall be added to 
S the see of Oxford, and part of Hertfordshire to the see of 
^ London ; but when this alteration is to take place is not 

> stated. The counties of Huntingdon and Bedford have 
I been annexed to the diocese of Ely. The see of Lincohi 



33 



now, therefore, only comprises the counties of Lincoln and 
Nottingham permanently. Buckden Palace has been pulled 
down, and a new Palace built at a cost of about a6lO,000. at 
Riseholme, near Lincoln. — See Confirmations, 

Bishops and Abbots of Peterborough. — This diocese was 
formed out of that of Lincoln in 1541, and endowed out of 
the dissolved Monasteries. The following is a list of its 
Superiors : — 

ABBOTS. 

Name of Abbot. Elected Bemarkable Events. 

A.D. 

Saxulf 654 Foundation stone of Medesham- 

stede laid by Peada in 655. 

Cuthbaldus 673 The monastery endowed with great 

possessions and privileges, and 
a house built for the abbot. 

Egbaldus 

Pusa 

Beonna 

Celredus 

Hedda. 833 First destruction of the monastery 

by the Danes about 870, when 
Stamford was their head quarters 
Vacant for many years. 

Adulphus 971 Monastery re-built. 

Kenulphus 992 Wall round the monastery built. 

Elsinus 1006 

Arwinus 1055 

Leofricus 1057 England invaded by William the 

Conqueror in 1066. 

Braddo 1066 

Thoroldus 1069 Second destruction of the monas- 
tery by the Danes. 

Godricus 1099 

Matthias 1103 

Ernulphus 1107 Dormitory and refectory built, and 

chaptex-house completed. 



\ 34 


BIS \ 


\ John de Sais .... 


1114 Monastery accidentally burned \ 


^ 


down. Foundation of the pre- I 


\ 


sent cathedral laid in 1117. ? 


] Henri de Angeli . . 


1128 


] Martin de Vecti . . 


1133 New monastery completed, and s 


< 


Saint Martin's church built at s 


\ 


Stamford. < 


1 William de Water- 


Thomas a Beckett's chapel and a \ 


^ viUe 


1155 hospital in Spittalfield founded, j 


I 


Benedictine nunnery of Saint I 


I 


Michael's founded in Saint Mar- \ 


\ 


tin's, Stamford. i 


^ Benedict 


1177 Body ofthe church rebuilt, painted \ 


^ 


ceiling executed, and western \ 


1 


gateway built. \ 


\ Andreas 


1194 


\ Acliarius 


1200 


^ Robert Lindesey. . 


1214 Windows of the church glazed. < 


\ 


Lavatory in the cloisters built. < 


\ Alex. Holderness.. 


1222 Many improvements made. { 


] Martin de Ramsey. 


1226 


5 Walt. St. Edmunds 


1233 Church re-dedicated and conse- 


1 


crated. 


1 William de Hotot.. 


1246 


John de Caleto . . 


1249 


Robert de Sutton.. 


1262 A heavy fine levied on the monas- 




tery by Earl Warren, on the 




pai't of Henry III; the Earl's 




bailiffs also carried away from 




the manors of Tinwell and 




Thurlby, all the Abbot's corn 




and 15 horses from his carriages 




at Wansford. Shortly after, the 




Abbot paid the Eail £100. to 




regain the manors of Castor, 




Tinwell, and Thurlby. 



35 



Eicliard de London 1274 



Wm.de Woodford. 


1295 


Godfi-ey Croyland. . 


1299 


Adam de Bootliby . 


1321 


Henry de Morcot, . 


1338 


Robert Eamsey . . 


1353 


Henry de Oyerton. 


1361 


Nicholas 


1391 


William Genge . . 


1396 


Jolin Deeping. . . . 


1403 


Eicliard Asliton . . 


1438 


William Eamsey. . 


1471 


Eobert Kiiton. . .. 


1496 



John Chambers . . 1528 



Lady chapel, and one of the stee- 
ples of the church built. 

The gTeat gate, tower, and knights' 
chamber built. 



Parish church remoTed. 

The building at the east end of 
the church commenced, and 
several additions made. 

Brazen eagle erected. 

The new building finish ed. Gate- 
way to the deanery built, and 
many other additions made. 

Catharine of Arragon buried in the 
abbey church. Dissolution of 
the monaster^^, and conversion 
into a cathedral. Inventory of 
monastery possessions taken. 



BISHOPS. 

Name of Bishop. Elected Kemarkable Events. 

A.D. 

John Chambers ... 1 541 Lands provided by Hemy VIII for 
the maintenance of the church. 

Da^idPool 1556 

Edmd. Sc ambler. . 1560 The gaol, and several manors 
passed away to the Queen. 

Eichard Howland.. 1584 Mary Queen of Scots executed at 
Fotheringhay and interred in 
the cathedral church. 

Thomas Dove 1600 



36 



William Pierse.... 1630 

Augustine Lindsell 1632 The parsonage of Castor added to 
the possessions of the cathedral 

Francis Dee 1634 

John Towers 1638 The cathedral defaced and ran- 
sacked by Cromwell's soldiers, 
1643. 

Benjamin Lany. .. 1660 

Joseph Henshaw . . 1663 

William Lloyd 1679 

Thomas White.... 1695 

White Kennet 1718 

John Thomas. . . . 1747 

Kich. Cumberland. 1691 Formerly Vicar of All Saints', 
Stamford. — See Cumberland. 

Richard Terrick . . 1757 

Robert Lamb 1764 

JohnHinchcliffe.. 1769 

Spencer Madan . . . 1794 

John Parsons .... 1813 

Herbert Marsh was consecrated Bishop of Llandaff in 

1816, and translated to the see of Peterborough in 1819. 

Formerly Fellow of St. John's College, Cambridge. He 

died May 1st, 1839. 

George Davys, born in 1781, formerly Fellow of Christ's 

College, Cambridge; he took a Wrangler's degree in 1803. 

He subsequently became curate of Littlebury, and in 1814 

of Chesterford : this latter curacy he held until Dr. Bloom- 
field, the present Bishop of London, was presented to that 

living, when Mr. Davys became curate of Swaffham Prior; 

he afterwards removed to Kensington, and was appointed 

tutor to the Princess Victoria. Shortly after this he was 

presented to the rectoiy of All-Hallows, London, and in 

1831 to the deaneiy of Chester, on which occasion he took 

the degi'ee of doctor in divinity. 

In 1839, (says the Ecclesiastica,) "the death of Dr. Marsh 

afforded the Queen an opportunity of testifying her high 



37 



regard to her former Preceptor, by raising him to the see of 
Peterborough, in which no bishop has been ever more be- 
loved. His lordship has published several works, which 
are more especially suited to the humbler classes, and of 
which a very considerable number have been received into 
the list of books pubhshed by the Society for Promoting 
Christian Knowledge. The Bishop of Peterborough, though 
strictly orthodox, is tinctured by none of those sentiments ^ 
respecting education which unfortunately have taken posses- I 
sion of many otherwise worthy members of our church. | 
And we cannot help considering it as one of the most cheer- I 
ing characteristics of our times, that Dr. Davys is joined i 
by the most learned and virtuous in the land in asserting j 
that ignorance is the worst political engine for the govern- ^ 
ment of man." s 

Blaclifriary. — In the 6th year of Henry III, 1221, (Speed \ 
says,) " The King kept his Christmas with great royalty at > 
Oxford, in the company of the Prelates and Peers of Eng- > 
land; William de Fortibus Earl of Aumarl (or, as Peck has \ 
it, Albemarle and Holderness) , incited by Falcasius de Brent, s 
and the like riotous gentlemen, sodainly departed from the \ 
Court without leave, he mannes the Castle of Bitam, victuals 
it with the Corn of the Chanons of Bridlington, spoils the 
towne of Deeping, and under shew of repairing to the Par- 
liament, seizeth on the Castle of Fotheringhay, committiug 
many other furious riots in contempt of the King and breach 
of his peace." Upon his fortifying the Castles, he sent let- 
\ ters to the Mayors of most of the chief cities of England, 
\ and to the Lege-men of Stamford (for the chief officer of 
\ this town was not at that time styled " Mayor"), whereby he 
\ gave them notice that aU Merchants and Tradesmen might 
\ have free liberty of passing by his castles and trading at the 
same. This naturally so alarmed the King that he marched 
with a powerful army to Bytham, and throwing down the 
walls, it soon yielded, the inhabitants imploring mercy. The 
rebels were afterwards pardoned, at the request of Pandulph, 
the Pope's Legate. William de Fortibus, after being par- 



38 



doned for Treason, founded the Black-friar's College at 
Stamford, and it was dedicated to the " Blessed Virgin Mary 
and Saint Nicholas." It was situated on the south-east side 
of the town without the walls ; hounded on the north by the 
road leading to Deeping; on the south hy the river; on the 
east by the Saint Leonard's Monastery; on the west by 
Tenter Meadow (now the gas-works). It is a delightful 
situation, having a gentle slo^je towards the WeUand, and 
was well adapted to the purpose for which it was erected. 
Butcher, in speaking of Stamford, says, " The Monks, Friars, 
and Nuns of those times made choice of this place to build 
here several receptacles ; as, observes one of them — 

*• They plant themselves in fairest plots 

For pasture, wood, and spring- ; 
No Grief, nor Care, comes to their lots, — 

When others sig-h, they sing-.*' 

The building was very large, comprising a strong quad- 
rangular tower, (which was standing in 1600,) with a spacious 
nave, and there were also two good houses for the use of 
the brethren of this Monastery. 

In the year 1240, Elizabeth relict of Richai'd Grey, Lord 
of Codnover, bequeathed to the " Friajs Preachers" of this 
Convent, ^10. to pray for the souls of herself, her husband, 
and childi*en. 

In 1251, the Bishop of Lincoln went through his diocese 
visiting the Religious Houses, which somewhat annoyed the 
Monks, he even searching their beds : he also made some 
good alterations in the management of those houses. This 
Diocesan was Robert Grosthead, who died November 8, 1253. 
William de Fortibus, third Earl of ^Mbemaile, and grandson 
of the founder of this Convent, took for his second wife Isa- 
bell, a daughter of Baldwin, Eai'l of Den; by her he had 
three sons, John, Thomas, and William, and two daughters, 
Avice and Aveline : this Earl died in-1260, in France, and 
he was brought to England and buried here : he left two 
sons, Thomas and William, to the care of his widow, but 



I BLA 

i , 

i they did not long survive him. Thomas, dying first, was 

I buried in the church of the Black-friars at Stamford ; and 

< William died at Oxford, and was buried at the Black-friars 

< there. In 1352, John Synwell, Bishop of Lincoln, made 
c Friar Eoger de S. Lis, D.D., of this college, Confessor for 
I the year ensuing, with power to absolve in all episcopal 
^ cases, as in his licence (which was in part as follows) are 
^ more particularly mentioned. " John Bishop of Lincoln, to 
} his beloved son frier Eoger de S. Lis, professor of divinity 

< of the order of friers predicants of the convent of Staunford, 
] greeting, &c. In your discretion and the serenity of zeal 
I which you are known to have for the good of souls, greatly 
I confiding ; to confess all persons in our jurisdiction within 
I the bounds of the said convent (when they think fit to be 

< confessed to you) and in our stead to give them absolution 
^ of their sins, &c. * * * * We grant you a 
i faculty to continue for one year only. Given at Bardney the 
\ 2. of the Kal. of Feb. 1352, and of our consecration 6." 

^ Speed gives the value at its dissolution at £65. 19. 9. 

< In 1546, which was just after the dissolution of the mon- 
l asteries, Henry VIII granted the premises to Ilobert Bocher 
i (Howgrave says Butcher) and David Vincent. In 1615, 
] the Black-friars appears to have been the property of Eobert 
\ Heyrick, in right of his wife Elizabeth Manby ; for, by a 
\ letter in " Nichols' Leicestershire," in which Eobert Heyrick 
\ o£fers it to Sir Thomas Hcyricke for a£700., and says, " Yt 
\ is very weU walled round about ; and in the mydst a fayre 
\ hows, that was built by Baron Hearon. Yt is rented and 
\ leased most of yt by my son Walker, in toto, at £46. per 
\ annum. There is a good deal of wood of yt, fishponds and 
I other comodytis." * * * * Leicester, December 26, 1615. 

< Howgrave, who wrote in 1725, says — " Samuel Cust, Esq., 
\ of Pinchbeck, bought this place of the Heirs of Eobert 
5 Butcher and Da^vid Vincent in the reign of James I. Upon 
^ his decease it came to Eichard his eldest son, who was mem- 
^ ber of Parliament for this Borough, and created a Baronet 

by Charles II : from him it devolved to his son Pury, who 



40 



was knighted in his father's lifetime by William III, for his 
good services in England and Ireland. It is now turned 
into a house and is in the possession of Savil Oust, second 
son of Sir Pury." 

This house was pulled down previous to 1785, by Mr. 
Tallis, a tenant of Lord Brownlow Oust ; and it has since 
descended to the present Lord Brownlow, by whom it is, at 
this time, being sold in lots for building purposes; and 
streets are reserved for the public. The names of the streets 
are Adelaide-street, Brownlow-street, Belton-street, Welland- 
street. Tenter-lane, Victoria-street, Wellington-street, &c. 
There is a malt-kiln on the site occupied by Mr. James 
Simpson, and several houses have been built, and others are 
now building by some of the purchasers. Skeletons and 
coins were thrown up by persons whilst digging the foun- 
dations, &c. in December, 1840. In July, 1845, some pieces 
of mullions of the windows of the church were discovered. 

Black Hall. — Mr. Blore supposes this school to have 
been situated opposite to the south door of All Saints' church; 
but Mr. Peck is of a different opinion. Neither the Founder 
nor the date of erection is known. — See Peterborough Hall, 

Bloody Oaks. — See Battles. 

Blue-coat School, built 1838.'— /S'ee Charities, 

BohuUf William De, or Long Beard, a lord of Stamford. 
He was a hardy soldier and extremely ambitious, and con- 
sequently a prized associate of his congenial spirit, Edward 
III. He was with the latter at the great battle of Cressy, 
of which he headed one main division ; the other two being 
led by Edwai'd himself and the Black Prince. He also was 
entrusted with beating off the boats and cutting off every 
supply from the people of Calais. At Edward's famous siege 
of that city, both the French Admiral and King were driven 
back by Bohun. Afterwards, in Scotland, he fought with 
equal success, and died a highly-renowned wamor, in 1360, 
having been as neglectful of his vassals' happiness and wel- 
fare, as his master had been of his kingdom. 

Bolton Murdered, at the George Inn Tap, in 1714, by a 



> BOB 41 

^ soldier in the Dragoons. Tlie only provocation appears to 

< haye been that of drinking to the memory of Queen Ann 
^ kneeling, Bolton being a Jacobite. An innumerable con- 
\ course of people surrounded the Inn, broke the windows, 

^ and threatened to demolish the house, unless the soldier | 

was given up. The murderer, however, escaped by the back \ 

way, and the crowd soon dispersed. \ 

Borough or Burgh, Stamford is noticed as a Borough in S 

Doomsday book, which says, " The Kings Borough of \ 

Stanford paid the geld in the time of King Edward (between < 

1042 and 1066), for twelve hundreds and a half in the army I 

and navy, and in Danegeld," (a tax paid by the Saxons to | 

^ the Danes to secure them from invasion). > 

c The Borough only included the five parishes until Feb- 5 

J ruary, 1832, when part of Saint Martin's was added to it. \ 

\ The Borough now consists of the whole of the parishes of < 

I All Saints', Saint George, Saint John, Saint Michael, Saint ^ 

I Mary, and such part of the parish of Saint Martin as is in- > 

< eluded within a line drawn fi*om an ozier-holt near the Nuns' ? 
\ farm to a nook in the Wothorpe road ; thence to the top > 
\ house in High-street, Saint Martin's, and along the back of \ 
? those premises round by the park wall, crossing the Barnack I 
\ road, down a lane to the river. > 

< Borough English — A singular custom, by which the ? 
c youngest son inherits the lands and tenements of his father 5 
j when the latter dies intestate. This custom, it is said, goes \ 
\ with the land, although there be a devise to the contrary. \ 
\ Plot, a royal historiographer, who died in 1696, thinks it ^ 
\ arises from a privilege claimed by the ancient Lords of Manors c 
\ sleeping with every newly-made bride on her wedding night; \ 
\ whence the eldest son, being presumed to be the lord's, was ^ 
? excluded, and the estates were settled on the youngest. Mr. \ 
5 Peck thought the eldest son might with some shew of rea- < 
i son be thus excluded, but could not see why the youngest j 

< should be preferred to his other brethren : he imagined that, \ 
\ as Stamford was a trading town, the eldest sons were either \ 
\ set up in business, or had their portions during their fathers' \ 



42 



lives. It is thought that this custom was introduced here 
by Hengist, a Saxon, about 480. Peck, in his Desiderata 
Cunosay says, after speaking of Gervase Wykes, Alderman 
of Stamford in 1401, " Richard his fifth and youngest son, 
ut junior Jilius habuit terras in Stamford, qua est consuetudo 
" Borough English." Peck further says, in his " Annals of 
Stamford^'' that John Drayton, youngest son of Margery 
daughter of William de Bradecroft, became possessed of a 
meadow by this privilege. The Rev. Robert Johnson, the 
younger son of Maurice Johnson, Esq., of Stamford, inherited 
the estates of his father by this custom, about 1560. — See 
Johnson Robert, 

Bowling Green. — This ground was situated where Rut- 
land Terrace now stands : the bowling ground was a grass- 
plot 52 yards by 38 : it was waUed round, and had a summer 
house and several ai'bours. It was first made by the Rev. 
Peter Lafargue, (previous to 1785,) and let by him and his 
successor, with a small paddock adjoining, to a person for 
jB14. per annum, on condition that it should not be converted 
into any other use. Regular subscribers paid 10s. 6d. the 
season; non-subscribers 6d. each evening. The bowling- 
green and paddock were sold about 1829, to a person named 
Wallis, who built Rutland Ten-ace in 1830-1. 

Brazen-nose College existed in the early part of the reign 
of Edwai'd III, and was situated in Saint Paul's-street, 
neai'ly opposite to the Free-school. No part of the edifice 
now remains, except the arched gateway (supposed to have 
been built about 1300). It is recorded that the college had 
a lai'ge refectory or hall, was " a strange wide place, with a 
fire-hearth in the middle," and that there were many little 
rooms about the house with stone staii*s leading to them. 
When a quan-el arose between the Northern and Southern 
students at Oxford, in 1333, a great many masters and scho- 
lars retired to Stamford, and restored the University here — 
thus fulfilling the prophecy of Merlin ; 

♦' That studious throng which Oxenford doth cherish 
In time to come the Stonyford shall nourish." 



43 



Spencer thus mentions it : — i 

** And after him the fatal Welland went, S 

That if old sawes prove true (which God forbid), ^ 

Shall drown all Holland with his excrement, > 

And shall see Stamford, tho' now homely hid, > 

Then shine in learning more than ever did I 

Cambridge or Oxford, England's goodly beams.'* ? 

> 

The times have altered much since the above verse was I 

written, as the following lines from "Drunken Barnaby's I 

Journal" in 1667, will shew : / 

" To Stamford came I where I find ^ 

Purses are sold of every kind ; \ 

Purses there are that cut a flash, I 

Purses in plenty but no cash ; v 

As many vermin as crawl o'er me, > 

So many beggars are before ye. > 

Where are the scholars, Proctor, fellows, coUege ? I 

They've into purses cramm'd their former knowledge." ^ 

The building was taken down in 1668, and the gateway I 

was placed rather forwarder towards the street, by order of > 

the Corporation (who were at that time proprietors) , and a new ^ 

house erected on its site, which was for some years used as ^ 

a School of Industry, and subsequently as a common work- ^ 

house. About 1816, the estate was sold to the late James > 

Hurst, Esq., and it, with the curious knocker, is now in ^ 

the possession of Miss Hurst his sister. — See University ^ 

and Bacon Roger. \ 

Breadcroft — a village formerly situated about half a mile > 

west of Stamford, on the site of Mr. Gilchrist's farm. It is ^ 

supposed that the name was derived from its having been { 

chiefly occupied by bakers. By a deed made in 1304, it s 

seems that the Abbot of Peterborough had 100 shillings \ 

rent out of a public oven there ; and in another, dated 1441, \ 

a mill at Bredcroft is mentioned. Leland says that the ses- I 

sions for Rutland, in the reign of Henry VIII, were kept at \ 

Bredcroft, it being in that county; and that those malefactors ^ 

who were condemned were hanged at TinweU gaUows, which ^ 



44 



stood between that place and Empingham. The hall or 
sessions-house was situated about a quarter of a mile on 
this side of the wash, on the northern bank of the mill 
river. In February, 1815, a person whilst ploughing in a 
field near this spot discovered a cell or vault by one of the 
horses breaking into it. Upon examination, it was found to 
be 6 feet 2 inches long, and very narrow ; it contained a 
skeleton, but no coffin. The ceU was composed of three 
large thick slates on each side, with large slabs at the head 
and feet, paved at the bottom, and slated at the top. 

Bridge. — This bridge, which is situated between Saint 
Mary's-hill and Saint Martin's, is 150 feet long, and only 11 
feet wide at the north end, and 14 feet at the south end : it 
is built of stone, and consists of 3 arches, and has triangular 
recesses for the convenience of foot passengers during the 
traffic of vehicles, &c. The Marquis of Exeter takes toll 
according to the following scale, but persons residing in 
Stamford are not liable. 

" TOLLS TO BE TAKEN AT THIS BRIDGE :— 

s. d. 
For every Laden Waggon Passing or Repassing over 

this Bridge the Sum of , . 4 

For every Laden Cart ditto 2 

For every Laden or led Horse ditto 0| 

For every Stone Horse ditto 1 

For every Score of Beast ditto 4 

For every Beast under Five ditto 0| 

For every Score of Cows and Calves ditto 8 

For eveiy Score of Hogs ditto 8 

For every Score of Sheep ditto 2 

For every new Coach or Chais ditto 1 

For every Pair of new Wheels ditto 2 

For every Pair of Mill stones ditto 6" 

Butcher says Alfred built a stone bridge over the Welland 
at Stamford, but this is denied by Peck. In 1570, the north 
end of the stone bridge was borne down by a flood, and re- 



45 



built at the voluntary cost of Sir William Burghley, Lord > 

High Treasurer of England. In 1640, the flood at Easter \ 

was neai'ly level with the top of this bridge. S 

By the Syston and Peterborough Railway Act, 8 and 9 ^ 

Victoria, cap. 56, sec. 21 (June 30, 1845), the bridge is > 

described as being dangerously narrow, and requires that the > 

Company shall contribute a sum not exceeding £5000., or ^ 

so much as may be necessary towards the widening of the ^ 

said bridge, if required to do so by the owner of the bridge ] 

within one year from the passing of the Act ; and that if the ^ 

owner of the bridge shall not cause the same to have been > 

widened within the time named, then the Company are re- > 

quired to obtain authority from Parliament to widen the s 

bridge themselves. This clause also states that the work ^ 

shall be done under the superintendence and control of the > 

engineer of the Company, and so as to allow of carriages \ 

conveniently passing each other, with proper footways on ^ 

each side. Clause 22 provides that a bridge for foot passen- I 

gers shall be made across the railway, and that the railway > 

shall not be opened until this be done. But as the railway ] 

is to pass through Saint Martin's instead of the bottom of ; 

Saint Mary's-hill, this latter clause will not be carried into I 

eflfect. ^ 

Bridges in the Meadovjs. — Broadeng Bridge, made of wood, I 

is situated about sixteen chains east of the wash, and is kept I 

in repair by the Parish of All Saints. Lammas Bridge, \ 

which crosses the north arm of the WeUand at the bottom > 

of Castle-dyke, is also made of wood, and was erected at ? 

the expense of the Coi*poration; the foot road from this ; 

bridge crossing the meadows to the George Bridge, (which \ 

is also made of wood,) with the part of the bridge as far as ] 

the centre of the stone pier, is maintained by the Parish of > 

All Saints, and the other part of the bridge by the Parish of < 

Saint Martin. Water -furlong Bridge, of one arch, is situated = 

on the old Roman Road, and leads from the meadows to the ^ 

Water-furlong and the Tinwell Road ; it is of stone, and is ; 

kept in repair by the Parish of All Saints. Melancholy- ] 



46 



walk Bridge crosses the King's Mill stream at a road 
leading from Austin-street to Norton's Terrace, and is kept 
in repair by the Marquis of Exeter. 

Browne (Family of). — It is stated by Butcher that All 
Saints' steeple and a part of the body of the church was 
erected about 1465, by WiUiam Browne, merchant of the 
staple of Calais, and founder of Browne's Hospital in Broad- 
street ; but Peck says the tradition is that it was built by 
John, the brother of William, and son of John and Margaret > 
Browne, who are buried in that church. William Browne s 
died in 1489, and Margaret his wife (the daughter of John < 
and Elizabeth Elmes), died 1489-90. Agnes widow of John \ 
Browne, by her will dated 1470, bequeathed 6s. 8d. to the \ 
mother church at Lincoln ; to the church of All Hallows • 
(All Saints), Stamford, for the purchase of a vestment, 100 
marks ; to the Grey Friars, Black Friars, and Augustine 
Friars, 20s. each house; to the White Friars and Nuns, 
13s. 4d. each house ; to a priest to sing for her fifteen years 
continually, £75. ; to the church of Ampthill, in Bedford- 
shire, 40s. ; to each of her god-children 3s. 4d. ; to every 
curate attending her du-ge, 6d.; to every priest, 4d.; and to 
every parish clerk, 2d. ; to every prior and warden of the 
four houses attending her dirge, 6d. ; and to every other 
friar attending, 4d. ; for a vestment and chalice to the chapel 
in which she and her husband are buried, ^8. ; for a cloth 
of silk and gold, with a valance of the same, to be borne 
with four petyt staves over the sacrament on Palm Sunday 
in the worship of the sacrament, 4 marks; and to the 
painting of the Tabernacle in Corpus Christi chapel in Saint 
Maiy's church, Stamford. 

Christopher Browne, son of John and Agnes Browne, 
having assisted Henry VII against Richard III, Henry 
granted him the hundred of Little Casterton, "vdz., Ryhall, Bel- 
misthorpe, Essendine, Tinwell, Ingthoi-pe, Tickencote, and 
Tolethorpe. Heniy VIII, for some similar cause, granted 
to Francis the son of Christopher, the privilege of being 
covered in the presence of himself, his heirs, and of all the 



47 



nobilityin the kingdom. He was buried in All Saints' church. 
The lordship of Tolethorpe was succeeded to by Francis, 
Anthony, and Francis. Robert the third son of Anthony 
was educated at Cambridge : he was related to Lord Burgh- 
ley; about 1580, he began to attack the government and 
liturgy of the church, and had many followers who formed 
themselves into a sect called Brownists. He was soon im- 
prisoned, but liberated by the interest of Lord Burghley. He 
then settled at Middleburgh, in Holland, where he collected 
a congregation, and wrote a book intituled " A Treatise of 
Reformation without tarrying for any Man." In 1585, he 
returned to England and became engaged in contests with 
the Bishops ; he was disowned by his father, and was at 
length excommunicated. In 1590, conviction or policy 
compelled him to conform; and in 1592, Lord Burghley pre- 
sented him to the Rectory of Achurch, in Northamptonshire. 
He used to boast that he had been confined in thirty-two 
prisons ; and when above 80 years of age he was committed 
to Northampton gaol for striking a constable whilst de- 
manding a parish rate. He died in 1630, shortly after his 
committal. His descendants were living at Uppingham in 
1681. Francis his brother was succeeded by John, Chris- 
topher, and John ; who, dying an infant, was succeeded by 
Edward, the second son of Christopher; whose successor 
was Francis, his eldest son, who died in 1751, without issue, 
and was buried at Greatford. 

Brown J Edward^ Esq., of Barn-hill, was born in 1748, 
and descended from Edward Brown, who founded the Free- 
school at Horbling in 1691, and of Edward Brown, who died 
March 18, 1731, and was buried at Horbling, where he left 
some property for charitable purposes. The late Edward 
Brown, Esq., was brought up to the law, and practised for 
some time as a barrister. He resided on Barn-hill for 
nearly 60 years, and during that time was noted for his par- 
simonious habits, although he frequently gave alms to the 
poor. He died on the 5th of May, 184L His property at 
his death was supposed to amount to about £750,000, which 



48 



was left among his children, viz : — the Rev. Edward Brown, 
of Shering, Essex ; the lady of S. R. Fydell, Esq., of Mor- 
cott; the lady of the Rev. R. Deeker, of Wakerley; and 
the Misses Ann, Mary, and Sarah Brown. There was no 
bequest for charitable purposes; but the Rev. E. Brown 
afterwards presented the Stamford and Rutland Infirmary 
with £300. The house has since been sold to the Marquis 
of Exeter, by whom it has been completely re-modelled. 

Browne's Hospital built in the reign of Edwai'd IV. — See 
Chanties, 

Brownlow (Earl). — John Oust, Earl Brownlow, Viscount 
Alford and Baron Brownlow of Belton, in the County of 
Lincoln, in the Peerage of the United Kingdom, and a 
Baronet; Lord Lieutenant and Gustos Rotulorum of the 
County of Lincoln, and Vice-Admiral of the Coast of Lincoln- 
shire, and Colonel of the South Lincoln Militia. Born 
August 19, 1779 ; succeeded to the Barony December 25, 
1807. Married July 24, 1810, Sophia second daughter and 
co-heir of the late Sir Abraham Hume, Bart., by Lady Amelia 
E gerton, sister of the last E arl of Bridge water. The C ountess 
died February 21, 1814. By this marriage his Lordship has 
issue, viz. — 

John Hume, Viscount Alford, M.P. for Bedfordshire, 
Colonel of the North Lincolnshire Militia, and a Deputy 
Lieutenant of that County, was born October 15, 1812; 
married February 10, 1841, Lady Marianne Margai-et Comp- 
ton, eldest daughter of the Marquis of Northampton, and 
has issue, viz. — the Hon. John WiUiam Spencer Brownlow, 
born March 28, 1842 ; and the Hon. Adelbert Wellington, 
born August 19, 1844. 

Lady Sophia Frances born April 14, 1811; maiTied Feb- 
ruaiy 10, 1836, Christopher Tower, junior, Esq., of Weald 
Hall, Essex. 

The Hon. Chai'les Henry, born September 27, 1813; 
maiiied September 8, 1842, Caroline Sophia, eldest daughter 
of Reginald George Macdonald, Esq., by Lady Caroline Anne 
Edgecumbe, and has issue. 



5 BULL 49 

I EarlBrownlowagainmamed September 22, 1818, Caroline 

I second daughter of the late George Fludyer, Esq., by Lady 

< Mary Fane, who died July 4, 1824, and by this marriage 
I has issue, viz. — 

\ Lady Caroline, born November 25, 1819. 

< Lady Amelia, born August 6, 1821. 

c Lady Katherine, bom November 18, 1822. 

I Lady Elizabeth, born Febi-uaiy 10, and died February 

I 29,1824. 

^ Earl Brownlow again married July 1"^ 1828, Lady Emma 

i Sophia Edgecumbe, eldest daughter of Eichard 2nd Earl 

^ of Mount Edgecumbe, bom July 28, 1791. 

Creations. — A Baronet, September 29, 1677 ; Baron 
Brownlow, May 20, 1776 ; Viscount Alford, and Earl Brown- 
low, November 27, 1815. — See Black-friary and Saint 
George's Church, 

Bruges William, the first Garter King at Arms, is supposed 
to have lived at Stamford, as he built Saint George's Chui'ch 
about the year 1450, and by his will he bequeathed much 
property and vessels of gold and silver to this church, where 
his body was interred. His arms were — ermine, a cross 
pierced ermines impaling sable, a chevi'on between three 
wolves' heads couped argent, collared or. — See Saint 
George's Church, 

Bull-running. — The origin of this diversion, peculiar to 
Stamford, is not exactly known, but it is supposed by some 
local historians to have been introduced by the Romans ; 
shortly after their invasion. The most accredited tradition ; 
(for no charter can be found), is that WiUiam Earl War- ; 
ren, whilst standing at one of the windows of his castle, « 
saw two bulls in the meadow fighting for one cow; the * 
butchers, on hearing of the battle, came with their dogs to \ 
part them, which they did; but the bulls being enraged, ran \ 
into the town, where they tossed men, women, and children; \ 
and the noise of the multitude having reached the castle, < 
Earl Warren immediately took his horse and rode into the > 
town, and joined the mob (which might now be called bul- 



50 



lards), wlien tlie Eaii was so pleased with tlie sport that he 
gave the gi-ound on which the fight took place to the butchers, 
on condition that they should find a mad hull, to be run in 
the town on the 13th of November, for ever. There is still 
a xnece of ground called the "Bull-meadow:" in Dunn's 
survey (1836), there are two pieces thus described, and 
numbered 5, and 670, on the plan. 

The Sportsman's Cabinet says, " The first Bull-baiting 
well authenticated to have taken place, was during the reign 
of King John in 1209." 

Butcher, who wrote in 1646, thus describes it. Speaking 
of the sports of Stamford, he says — 

" The second sport, thoug-h more ancient than the former, is yet 
more beastlike than any : it is their BuU-running-, a sport of no plea- 
sure except to such as take a pleasure in beasthness and mischief. It 
is performed just the day six weeks before Christmas. The butchers 
of the town at their own charg-e against the time, provide the wildest 
bull they can get ; this buU over night is had in to some stable or 
barn belonging to the Alderman ; the next morning proclamation is 
made by the common bell-man of the to^vn, round about the same, 
that each one shut up their shop-doors and gates, and that none 
upon pain of imprisonment offer to do any violence to strangers, for 
the preventing whereof, (the town being a great thoroughfare, and 
then being in term time) a guard is appointed for the passing of 
traveUers through the same (without hurt.) That none have any 
iron upon their bull-clubs or other staff which they piu'sue the bull 
with. Which proclamation made, and the gates all shut up, the 
bull is turned out of the Alderman's house, and then hi^■ie, skivy, 
tag, and rag, men, women, and children of all sorts and sizes, with 
aU the dogs in the town promiscuously running after him with their 
bull-clubs spattering dirt in each others faces, that one would think 
them to be so many furies started out of hell for the punishment of 
Cerlerus, as when Theseus and Perillus conquered the place (as 
Ovid describes it) : 

A ragged troop of boys and girls 

Do pellow him ■s^ith stones ; 
With clubs, Avith whips, and many nips, 

They part his skin from bones. 

And (which is the greater shame) I have seen both Senafares 
niajorum gentium, et matrones de eodem gradu, following this buUing 
business." 



51 



s The later historians have merely copied Mr. Butcher's 

? description. Mr. Peck piibHshed a penny pamphlet on the 

i subject, which is not now to he found. Mr. John Lowe, 

I surgeon, wrote a long description in Mr. Harrod's History, 

I but he throws no more light upon the custom than recording 

j the fact that Mr. Eobert Eidhngton, a tanner, alderman, and 

S mayor in 1756, left half-a-crown to be paid to each of the 

) five parishes annually, for the trouble of stopping the gates 

i and ayenues to the town. 

I The bull-running custom was at one period the idol of the 

I people of Stamford ; it was to them what the Olympic games 

\ were to the ancients of Rome. The following curious en- 

\ tries in Saint George's church books show that the sport 

< was kept as a hoHday by aU grades, at the time referred to. 

J " At a Public Vestry or Meeting-, called and held this Twelfth day 

i of April, 1737, it is agreed that the Church Wardens for the time 

< being, and the Minister, shaU be allowed Twelve Shillings each man 
J for his expence at each Visitation, and no more ; and that the Church 
r Wardens for the time being for the future, shall be allowed at the 
t Bull-running yearly Ten Shillings, and no more, for their Expenses 
^ there ; and that the said Church-wardens for the time being shall 
\ not allow or give a bottle of Wine at the Parish charge to any 
{ Clergyman that shall happen to preach in this Parish Church unless 
« he hves out of the Town of Stamford or St. Martin's. 

\ (Signed by) "E. Birdmore, Eector, 

<■ " and twenty-two parishioners." 

c In 1741, is the following order : — 

\ " Agreed at this general meeting that there shaU not be allowed 

\ any money for the future to the Churchwardens, in case any is spent 

I at the Bull-running in Stamford. 

* (Signed by) *' E. Birdmore, Eector, 

^ " and nine parishioners." 

S 

I During the Mayoralty of Mr. Wortley Searson, in 17ys, 

s the Corporation, with the advice and consent of the Eaid of 

I Exeter, the Eec order, resolved to put down the custom ; and, 

s accordingly, advertisements were inserted in the Stamford 

< Mercury, stating that " the -Justices did wisely and humanely 
i order and direct that such Bull-running should be entirely 



52 



^ abolished, and the said Justices yet continue firm and in- 

^ flexible in such resolution. And Whereas the present Chief 

< Magistrate, and the Aldermen and Capital Burgesses now 

< assembled in this Hall, are determined to countenance and 

< support the Orders made by his Majesty's said Justices for 
I this Borough, for the purpose of abolishing a custom of 
I such unparalleled cruelty to an innocent animal, and in all 
\ respects a Disgrace to Religion, Law, and Nature." It being 
\ understood that the populace intended to bring in a bull, the 
\ following order was added : — " And that all People may 
\ know that such threatened meeting will be unlawful and 
^ punishable with Death." 

< Special constables were appointed, and a troop of the First 
( Dragoons attended to support the civil power ; yet notwith- 
i standing all these precautions, and the personal attendance 
I of the Earl of Exeter (no mean influence on the actions of 

< the inhabitants of Stamford), a bull was brought into the 

< town, and the Earl of Exeter, Sir Samuel Fludyer, and others, 
c were roughly treated : this caused a representation to be 
> made to the Secretary of State ; and, accordingly, in 1789, 
I a detachment of the Second Dragoons, commanded by Capt. 
I Braidman, accompanied by John Hopkins, Esq., Mayor, and 
V a body of Constables, proceeded to Saint George's gates, 

< where a bull was driven in before them by a female named 

< Ann Blades, in a smock-frock. The bullards being peaceable, 
I the oflicer dismissed his men, and they immediately joined 
I the party they came to oi3pose. 

i This appears to have been the origin of the Bull-woman, 

< who, until 1828, used on the morning of the 13th November 

< to be dressed in blue from top to toe, and carry a blue bull- 
\ stick, collecting money from the inhabitants, which was 
^ partly appropriated towards the purchase of the bull, and 
[ partly to her own benefit. 

I The Stamford Mercury of November 20, 1789, says, "On 

\ Friday last, in open and lawless defiance of the prudent, 

J humane, and praiseworthy directions of the magistrates, a 

\ Bull (clandestinely taken from Mr. Charles Wright's yard in 



53 



Scotgate), was run througli most of the streets of this town. ] 

It ended without material mischief, though no thanks are > 

due to the rioters. Several persons have heen committed to > 

gaol ; and we learn some others have absconded, and rewards ] 

offered for the apprehending of them." ^ 

In the following year, 1790, the Third or King's own > 

Dragoons marched into Stamford, with a view to overawe > 

I the populace and the bullards ; but they left the town with- ] 

^ out coming in contact with the people. After this, the ] 

\ opposition gi'adually subsided, and the bullards kept on their > 

I course ; and so fond were the people of the sport, that a ? 

\ second bull was often subscribed for and run on the Monday I 

I after Christmas, in either the Sheep-mai'ket, Broad-street, or J 

f Saint Leonard's-street, the ends of which were blocked up I 

< with waggons, carts, &c. The Candidates for Parliamentary > 
( honors won the poorer electors more by promising a bull, j 
I than by bribery in other shapes, during the contested elections \ 
{ in 1809 and 1812, when two or three stop bull-runnings i 

< took place. And so recently as 1831, the Conserv^ative or \ 
I Burghley Candidates canvassed under a large flag with a I 
I painting of a bull; but this was soon set aside, as the Clergy > 
] and some others of their party refused to join them until it ? 
\ was removed. The last Christmas Bull-running took place ] 
\ in 1831, and from that time the love of the diversion had I 
\ so much decreased, that it was with great difficulty money > 
I could be raised to purchase or even hire a bull to keep up I 

< the custom. About 1833, a few persons, chiefly dissenters, s 
^^ endeavored to put out the remaining embers by force : but ] 
$ instead of doing so, their opposition fanned them again ] 
^ into a flame, and money was forthcoming to carry out the ] 
I designs of the bullards. In November, 1833, a person named > 

Charles Wheeler was sent to Stamford by the Society for > 

the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals : he was very roughly \ 

treated and did no good. ] 

In 1836, the 13th of November falling on a Sunday, the ) 

buU was brought into the town on Saturday night about 12 5 

o'clock, and lodged safely in a stable in Saint Leonard's- } 



54 



street until the Monday. About 11 o'clock in the morning 
of that day, the street being previously blocked up at each 
end by waggons, carts, &c. — a mob of people, chiefly of the 
town and neighbourhood, consisting of about 5000 or 6000, 
and most of them having short sticks and antique dresses 
prepared purposely for the gi-and day, paraded the street: 
a few minutes after 11 o'clock, Saint Mary's bell tolled, 
and the Bull was let out of the stable, and ran up and down 
the street, tossing and clearing its way amid the shouts 
of the mob : at 1 o'clock the Bull was put back into the 
stable. At 2 o'clock the Bull was again let out, when it ran 
down the street, and one of the waggons being removed, he 
went out of the east end of the town, and over the fields near 
Emlyn's Close ; the mob at this time coming up with the 
Bull, which was a savage animal, and by over-powering 
numbers they were enabled to seize him by the nose and 
horns ; they then led it through the town, proceeding down 
New-gates, Broad-street, Ironmonger street, into High-street, 
where, at the house of Mr. Grant, who, with Mr. Pilkinton 
were opposed to the Bull-running, the most deafening 
shouts, groans, and hisses were' raised by the mob, and 
a few panes of a window were broken: Mr. Pilkinton, 
with Mr. Holland, of Eaithby, near Spilsby, were insulted. 
The mob then took the Bull into the Meadows, and after 
teazing it with their hats, they set three or four dogs on 
the Bull, two of which he killed, and ran into the river 
after the third. When he had played about in the water 
for half an hour, they dragged him out by throwing ropes 
over him. After running along the Meadows till about 
half-past four, they led him to his stable, shouting, and evi- 
dently well pleased with their day's diversion. This afi"air 
however proved the forerunner of a suppression of the custom. 
At Lincoln Assizes, March, 1837, true bills were found by 
the Grand Jury against Samuel Richardson, John HewercUnc, 
William Maltman, William Haycock, Stephen Boss, John 
Pearson, Richard Chambers, and Francis Simpson the yonnger, 
for unlawfully conspiring together, on the 13th of November, 



55 



in tlie Palish of Saint George, Stamford, to disturb the peace 
by riotously assembling to run and torment a bull. On the 

^ 8th instant bench warrants were issued for the apprehension 

) of the above pai'ties, six of whom found bail for their appear- 

l ance to take their trials at the next assizes. 

I Duiing the interval between Lent and Midsummer Assizes, 

I subscriptions were entered into by the Bullards towards de- 

l fraying the expenses of the legal proceedings ; and on the 

5 30th of August, 1837, a play was performed for their benefit: 

\ the pieces were — Colman's Comedy of John Bull; the In- 

> terlude of My Wipe's Lover; and the Fai'ce of P. P.; or 

} The Man and the Tiger. The sum altogether collected 

) for the defendants amounted to about ^100. 

THE TRIAL. 

Lincolnshire Assizes, Tuesday, July the 18th, 1837. 
REX V. RICHAEDSON (Samuel) and Others. 

This trial commenced at 9 o'clock in the morning, before 
the following Special Jury: — 

Frederick William Holt, Esq. Robert Slieppard, merchant 

Joseph Johnson, merchant William Cole Wells Clark, Esq. 

John West, Esq. Peregrme Samuel Ciurtois, Esq. 

Matthew Taylor, Esq. Chaiies Wright, jun. Esq. 

WiUiam Hudson, Esq. Hem-y Smith, Esq. 

Christopher Duffield, merchant Edward Thompson, merchant 

In opening the proceeding, Mr. Hayes (on a special re- 
tainer) stated that this was an indictment against Samuel 
Richardson, John Hewerdine, William Maltman, William 
Haycock, Richard Chambers, Stephen Boss, John Pearson, 
and Francis Simpson the younger, for conspiring, combining, 
and confederating together to beat, bait, wound, and torment 
a bull, and thereby to disturb the peace of the town of Stam- 
ford, and cause a riot and tumult ; and the indictment alleged 
that in pursuance of such conspiracy, the defendants did 
beat and bait the said buU on the 14th of November last. 
A second count charged the defendants with riotously as- 



56 



sembling, on the said 14tli of November, in the street called 
Saint Leonard's, with sticks, staves, and other weapons, and 
obstructing the free passage of the street. — ^A third count 
charged them with assaulting John Rogerson (an officer 
sent by the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals); 
and a fourth, with riotously breaking the windows of Mr. 
Joseph Cooke Grant, Ironmonger. 

Mr* Serjeant Goulburn appeared on behalf of the society 
for prevention of cruelty to animals, and Messrs, Hill and 
Humfrey for the defendants. 

The addresses of the counsel, and the evidence in support 
of the charge, left no question as to scenes of disorder and 
brutality having been committed, but the point at issue was, 
whether custom did not sanction the bull-running. 

Mr, Justice Park, after having explained the law, said — • 
there was ample proof that the persons indicted did riotously 
and routously assemble and block up the streets and high- 
ways, and according to the evidence of Pilkinton (one of the 
witnesses), they prevented him from getting to his premises : 
in fact, it appeared to have been a riot from beginning to 
end. The jury must not take this usage or custom into 
their consideration, for no usage or custom could justify a 
riot. In finally closing the case, the Judge said that Boss 
was out of the question, he being in prison at the time the 
crime was said to have been committed for an ofi'ence 
against the game laws, and he did not consider that there 
was sufficient e\idence to fix the charge upon Simpson. 

After half an hour's absence, the jui-y returned with a 
verdict of guilty upon the second count for riot against 
Chambers, Pearson, and Haycock; and Pearson was also 
found guilty upon the third count for an assault upon Roger- 
son. Maltman, Richardson, Hewerdine, Boss, and Simpson, 
were acquitted generally. The parties found guilty gave 
bail for theu* appearance in the Court of Queen's Bench, 
when called upon, to receive judgment. 

In 1837, a protracted correspondence took place between 
Lord John Russell, the Secretary of State, and the Magis- 



57 



trates, which led to the swearing in of 221 special constables, i 

at a cost to the town of £49. 8. for fees, besides pay for their ? 

time when called out. The following is a copy of one of ^ 

the letters : — J 

" WTiitehall, 2d Novetnher, 1837. > 

" Gentlemen y > 

" I am directed by Lord John Eussell to inform you, that it has I 

been represented to him that an attempt will be made to practise <> 

Bull-rv/nning in the town of Stamford on the 13th instant, and that > 

certain Streets will be stopped up on the occasion. > 

** Lord John Kussell desires me to impress upon you the necessity ^ 

of active measures being taken to prevent a proceeding* so disgraceful ^ 

and contrary to law as Bull-running. The stopping up of Streets \ 

for such a purpose is clearly illegal, and must not be allowed. His s 

Lordship requests that you will inform him what is the amount of > 

the Police Force of the Borough of Stamford ; and what arrange- > 

ments you propose to make for the inforcement of the law and the I 

maintenance of good order on the 13th instant. ^ 

*' I am, Gentlemen, your obedient Servant, I 

*'S. M. Phillipps.'* I 

> 

" The Mayor and Magistrates^ Stamford.''^ \ 

> 

In 1837, notwithstanding the convictions at the last Lin- > 

coin assizes and the cautions of the Magistrates, the annual > 

Bull-running at Stamford was pursued with unabated zeal. ^ 

The animal was let to the subscribers by Mr. E. Stevens, of \ 

Collyweston. Mr. Stevens, assisted by Mr. Prout, of the Sun I 

public-house in Saint Martin's, brought the bull to Stamford \ 

at half-past one o'clock on Saturday morning ; it was received ^ 

by Mr. Lowson, of the Boat public-house, near the bridge, i 

and put up on his premises, but not without observation of \ 

what was passing by two of the police-officers. The Magis- \ 

trates obtaining a knowledge of these proceedings on Satur- \ 

day evening, an information was sworn against Mr. Lowson, \ 

under the Act 5 and 6, William IV, cap. 59, which provides \ 

that " any person keeping or using any house, gi'ound, or ^ 

place for running, baiting, or fighting any bull, bear, badger, ^ 



58 



dog, or other animal (whether of a domestic or a wild nature 
or kind), or for cock-fighting, shall be liable to a penalty of 
£d. for every day he shall so keep and use the same ;" and 
the information was heard the same night, but the Magis- 
trates deferred giving their judgment till a future day. In 
the course of Saturday night, the buU was removed to the 
premises of Mr. George Clark, the Fleece public- house, in 
Saint Leonard's-street, and there it continued until Monday 
forenoon, when it was let out, and speedily ran through the 
streets, (which were not blocked up this year,) making its 
way to Breadcroft. After an hour or two, it was got back 
into the town, and was again put up at the Fleece public- 
house. In the afternoon it was run in several streets. At 
length the buU was conveyed to the Fleece, and early the 
next morning was taken back to Collyweston, and again put 
into the possession of Mr. E. Stevens. Mr. Thomas, the 
Secretary of the Society before referred to, waited upon the 
Magistrates at the Town-hall on Sunday night; and two 
London policemen, also connected with it, were in Stamford 
thi'oughout Monday. 

On Saturday the 19th, four of the Magistrates of Stamford 
(namely, the Mayor, Mr. Hunt, Mr. Roden, and Mr. New- 
comb, — Mr. Fysh and Mr. Weldon having resigned their 
appointments,) held a petty sessions at the Town-haU to 
hear several informations on the subject of bull-running. 
The court was extremely crowded, and great disorder pre- 
vailed amongst the audience. Joseph Charlesworth, laborer, 
was convicted under the Act 5th and 6th William IV, ch. 59, 
(passed 9th of September, 1835,) of wantonly and cruelly 
ill-treating the bull, and sentenced to pay a fine of 20s. and 
7s. 8d. costs, or in default of payment to be imprisoned for 
seven days. — James Fardellf butcher, was also convicted of 
ill-treating the buU, and fined lOs. and 7s. 8d. costs. The 

I fine and costs in both cases were paid. 

\ In consequence of this renewal of the custom, the parties 

< who had been convicted at Lincoln were called up for judg- 

? ment, as the following report will show. — 



69 



COURT OF QUEEN'S BENCH, January 30, 1838. 
The Queen v. Haycock and Others. 

Mr. Serjeant Goulbum moved for the judgment of the 
court against the defendants, William Haycock and Eichard 
Chambers, who Ctogether with John Pearson since deceased) 
were found guilty at the last assizes for the county of Lin- 
coln on an indictment preferred by the Society for the 
Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, of a riot, on the occasion 
of the annual Bull-running in Stamford. 

Mr* Justice Williams read the second count of the indict- 
ment upon which the defendants had been convicted. 

Mr. Justice Littledale — Brother Goulburn, do you not 
think if these men were to enter into their own recognizances 
it would be sufficient ? 

Mr. Serjeant Goulburn — Perhaps your Lordship will be 
good enough to hear the report read. The object of this 
prosecution, as I mentioned at the trial, and now mention 
again, is, only to put an end to the practice which has pre- 
vailed in the town of Stamford, of one day in the year 
blocking up the streets and running a bull up and down the 
same, thereby creating a great riot, noise, and disturbance, 
the practice of the greatest cruelties, and sometimes also 
the commission of great injury. — I have now, my Lords, 
affidavits which state the practice has been continued. 

Mr. Justice Littledale — By whom ? 

Mr. Serjeant Goulburn — The practice has been retained 
with as much ferocity, and precisely in the same mode as 
formerly, but certainly the affidavits of my learned Mend, 
which he has shown me, state these defendants were not 
there. I feel confident that when your Lordships come to 
hear the sort of case it is, you will concur with the prose- 
cutors in thinking it is not a proper practice to be continued. 

Lord Denman — We are quite clear about that. 

Mr. Serjeant Goulburn — If the practice had not been fol- 
lowed up, the whole object of the prosecution had been 
accomplished. 



60 



Mr. Justice LittUdale — Brother Goulburn, I think it is 
perfectly clear these defendants now brought up had nothing 
whatever to do with the repetition of the practice. 

Mr. Hill — But, on the contrary, my Lord, they did every 

• thing in their power to prevent it. 

Lord Denman — It was supposed there was some matter 

■ of law, at first — there was a supposed old charter. For the 
future it must he considered an illegal practice : probably 

; now, however, these men had better be discharged, becaus^e 
they may have been misled by some false notion about cus- 
tom — but for the future, it is perfectly understood. 

\ Mr. Justice Littledale — ^Acting upon it now would be de- 

[ cidedly illegal and inexcusable. 

\ Mr. Serjeant Goulburn — The Society has no other object 

: than to put down the practice, and they are content to leave 
it in your Lordships' hands. 

Lord Denman — There is no objection then to respite this 

; sentence. 

J Mr. Hill — Does not your Lordship think that, under the 

\ circumstances, the justice of the case will be answered by 

\ their entering into their own recognizances ? 

r Mr. Serjeant Goulburn — I should wish the Court to hear 

\ the report read. 

f Lord Denman — We think it much better for the parties 

^ themselves that judgment should be respited : it need not 

[ be from term to term, but for a yeai', or till such time as 

< when called upon. We do not mean to say it is an innocent 

< and laudable custom or practice at any time. 

\ The defendants were then bound over in their own recog- 
\ nizances to appear whenever called upon to receive the 
( sentence of the Court. 

c 
< 

s In 1838, the magistrates ha\ing received a perem^Hory 

< mandate from Lord John Russell, for the suppression of the 
\ Bull -running, part of a troop of the 14th Light Dragoons, 
] from Northampton, under the command of Captain Harvey, 
\ and a detachment of the metropolitan police, airived on the 



61 



10th of November. The Dragoons were quartered in Saint 

Martin's, Stamford Baron, in Northamptonshire, with orders 

not to pass the bridge. The town, and neighbourhood were 

in a state of great excitement on Sunday and Monday. The 

i only two bulls in the town, one belonging to Mr. Roberts, at 

\ the Horns Inn, and the other the property of Mr. J. Smith, 

i ftii-mer, Scotgate, were seciu*ed by the police in the Hotel 

< stables. On Monday night, special constables were placed at 

< every entrance to the town to prevent the arrival of any 
^ bull. On the morning of the 13th, the people congregated 
\ in large bodies, and chance threw a bull in their way. A 

< covered cart passed through the town at twelve o'clock, con- 
l taining a young bull, the property of Earl Spencer, from his 
i seat at Wiseton, near Bawtiy. The bullards took possession 
I of the cart in Saint Martin's, where the bull was let out, and 
} immediately ran down Saint Martin's and over the bridge 
I into Stamford. At the bridge the police formed themselves 
^ in line and made an attack on the people, to stop the bull, 
i but it was useless : the bull passed on up Saint Mary's-hill 

< to Saint George's-square, do^vn High-street, Scotgate, Saint 
i Peter's-hill, and into the bull-meadow, where he was taken 
\ by the police, and escorted by the dragoons to the BuU and 

> Swan, and given up to his conductor. The people passed 

< into the back way of Saint Mai-tin's, near the Sun, where an 

< attack was made on the military with stones and brickbats, 
I principally from women and children ; and an industrious 
I harmless man named Nathaniel PoUai'd, who, whilst returning 
\ from his work, was wounded on the head by the Sergeant- 

< major, and several people were hurt by the police. The 
J military after leaving a guard at the Bull and Swan, drew 
I up opposite to Saint Martin's church and charged their car- 

> bines with ball cartridge : they then marched through the 

> streets and the mob quietly dispersed. 

\ At the following Borough Quarter Sessions in January, 

\ 1839, James Woodhalli Octaviiis Siiary, John Kisbee, and 

I William Pollard, were indicted for riotously assembling with 

\ sticks and staves and breaking the peace by running a bull 



62 



calf: Pollard was furtlier indicted for throwing a stone at 
Robert Seal, a Sergeant-major in the 14tli Light Dragoons. 
The solicitors were, — Mr. N. Wilkinson, of Peterborough, 
for the prosecution, and Messrs. Thompson and Son, Stam- 
ford, for the defendants. After considering for a few minutes, 
the jury returned a verdict of not guilty. 

In 1839, notwithstanding the precautionary measures 
adopted by the Magistrates under the directions of the Secre- 
tary of State, — the introduction of military and a London 
police force, — the appointment of special constables, — and 
the establishment of mounted scouts to perambulate the open 
fields, — the bullards onWednesday, November 13th, contrived 
to introduce a buU into the town, though only for a very 
short time. Captain Bell with 43 of the 5th Dragoon Guards 
from Nottingham, and Inspector Pearce with 20 of the Lon- 
don police force, arrived in Stamford on Monday. On 
Tuesday, Francis Butt, Esq. (the Mayor), with W. Hunt, 
J. Roden, and R. Hunt, Esqs., Magistrates, swore in 90 
special constables, and adopted every arrangement calculated 
to carry into effect the commands of Lord Normanby for the 
suppression of the bull-running. In the evening of Tuesday 
the metropolitan and the borough police took charge of the 
bulls of Mr. Smith of Scotgate, and Mr. Roberts of the Horns, 
and whilst they were conveying the animals down Iron- 
monger-street, they were assailed by a mob with pa\ing 
stones : the promptitude and firmness of the police force, 
however, suppressed the riot at the expence of a few broken 
pates from their staves, and the bulls were locked up in a 
stable at the Hotel, and the following instructions were 
given to the constables. — 

*' Special Constables, when called out, have all the powers which 
belong to a Coiistable throughout the whole Jurisdiction for which 
the appointment is made. 

*' They are each subject to a Penalty of £5. for neglect or refusal 
to serve, or to obey la^\'ful orders given for performance of the duties 
of office. 

"Any person assaulting or resisting a Special Constable whilst in 
execution of his office, or promoting or encouraging any other person 



BULL 63 



50 to do, is liable to a penalty of £20., or to be indicted for the offence. 

"The following arrangements have been made for to-morrow 
(Wednesday). 

" Horsemen are appointed to perambulate the Fields. 

" Special Constables appointed to guard the entrances of the town, 
87. — Messengers, 3. — Metropolitan Police at Town-hall. 

" Town police to perambulate the streets, and commimicate with 
the magistrates at the Town-hall, every hour or oftener if necessary. 

"In case a Bull should appear to be nm, or a riot take place, the 
whole of the Constabulary force immediately to fall in and concen- 
trate and assist in suppressing the disorder, and in apprehending 
offenders. 

"iV.5. Should any cattle approach for the purpose of passing 
through the town, the Guards at the station, by which they may 
enter, are requested to attend and see them safely conducted through 
the streets, and then retiun to their station: but upon first know- 
ledge of their approach, information thereof is to be transmitted to 
the Magistrates at the Town-hall, who will direct assistance to be 
afforded if necessary. 

" The whole to remain on duty till relieved by Message from the 
Magistrates." 

On Wednesday morning, at seven o'clock, a horse patrol 
was placed in every direction at abont the distance of a mile 
from the town, with orders to give instant notice in the event 
of any beast approaching towards Stamford. The Mayor and 
magistrates assembled at the Town-hall at eight o'clock. — • 
The soldiers also mounted guard at the George Inn, at the 
same hour. Parties now beginning to congregate in the 
streets, the magistrates issued the following order : — 

" Tmcn-haU, Stamford, Wednesday, 13th :N'ovember, 1839, 

" The magistrates have directed that there should be no congrega- 
tion or assemblage of persons in the streets ; and the constables have 
strict orders to prevent any such occurrence. — By order, 

'•Xath. Faeeant, CJerk to the Magistrates.'' 

Everything remained tolerably quiet until between one 
and two o'clock, when the cry of "the bull" was raised, and 
it was found that, in spite of the precautions adopted, a 
young bull, having a direction tied on it "for Stamford" — 
had been brought into the town from the fields North of 



64 BULL > 

I 

Scotgate, was "run" across tliat street, up to Rutland Ter- I 
race, thence down Well-lane, and along Batli-row, to the I 
Lammas bridge, where the water was very much out. Through ^ 
the negligence, it is said, of some of the special constables — ^ 
none of whom communicated to the Magistrates, as they had I 
been directed to do, the circumstance of a bull's having en- > 
tered the town — the animal remained for some minutes about < 
Lammas bridge ; but as soon as the Magistrates became ac- e 
quainted with the fact, Mr. Reed (chief constable) and the I 
borough police, with Superintendent Pearce and ten of the ] 
metropolitan force, proceeded to rescue the bull. This was \ 
not accomplished, however, until they had reached a dist£ince > 
of two miles from Stamford, near Tolethoi-pe, where the ] 
animal was found in the middle of the river, surrounded by i 
several hundred people. Possession of the bull was imme- c 
diately taken by the police, who proceeded to drive him to- > 
wards Stamford, followed by the whole assemblage, with I 
shouts and execrations. On nearing the town, the mob con- I 
siderably increased, and symptoms of an attempting rescue I 
becoming evident, a messenger was despatched for the re- i 
mainder of the police force, and subsequently for the mill- ; 
tary, who aiTived apparently in the exact point of time to ^ 
prevent violence from the crowd, which now amounted to I 
three or four thousands. Stones were thrown at the police, ^ 
and some severe blows given and received, when the ap- ? 
pearance of F. Butt, Esq., Mayor, who headed the military, I 
quieted these symptoms, and the bull was conducted into ^ 
the town, between two files of dragoons, accompanied by the > 
police, and followed by the many thousands who had collec- I 
ted, with shouts, but with no further attempts at violence, s 
The animal was then taken into the Hotel stables and se- > 
cured, after which the mob dispersed, and the military and 5 
police withdrew. While the bull was being secured as above ^ 
in the Hotel stables, an attempt was made by an individual I 
to let loose another animal secured in the same place, by > 
withdrawing the staples of the stable-door, but he was for- ^ 
tunately observed by the police. The magistrates remained I 



65 



^ at the town-hall until a late hour, and the military and police 

S were on duty till 10 o'clock, when the town appearing per- 

^ fectly quiet they retired, and no further commotion took 

5 place. The military remained in Stamford until the loth, 

^ and the metropolitan police, after a few days, returned. The 

s bull was claimed by Mr. Clement Bland, of Frith Lodge, 

< who declaimed it to have been taken by yiolence from his pre- 

\ mises, but by parties unknown. — On the dismissal of the 

? military, the Mayor presented Captain Bell, in the names of 

I himself and the other authorities, their thanks for his at- 

^ tention and zealous discharge of duty. 

I On the 3rd of November, 1840, a meeting of the inhabi- 

^ tants took place at the Town-haU; when the following 

^ memorial was adopted and submitted to the Magistrates : — 



" To the Worshipful the Mayor and Magistrates for the 
B(yr(yugh of Stamford. 



\ •' We, the undersigned Inhabitants of Stamford, beg to return our 

< sincere thanks to your Worships for the communication made by 
\ you to us this day of the determination of the Secretary of State for 
^ the Home Department to suppress the practice of Bull-running, by 

< a civil and military force, to be furnished by Government, and at 

\ our expence. This communication having been made at a time wh^ftBI > 

\ we are concerting measures for the permanent improvement of the 5 

<. town, and the promotion of its prosperity and welfare, we cannot \ 

\ but contemplate with deep regret that any necessity should exist for > 

\ calling in foreign force, to do away with that which has been ad- \ 

{ judged by the law to be illegal ; and we feel that the time has arrived I 

\ when we ought to manifest to the Government that we are obedient ^ 

< to the law, and are able by our own exertions to support and vindi- > 

< cate the same. ^ 
\ *' We submit to your consideration that the expence attending this > 

< foreism force, which in the year 1838 amounted to ^150., was last \ 
\ > 
f year nearly daiibJed, to the great hardship of many indi\T.duals ill > 

I able to sustain the burthen, and perfectly innocent of the unlawful > 

c cause of such an enormous taxation ; and it must be evident that if ] 

c > 

< this waste of public money be continued, it must have the effect of > 



66 



\ stopping- our resources for the intended improvement of the town.— 

S AVe therefore earnestly request that your Worships mil not require 

^ of the Government any extraneous aid, but rely upon the good sense 

< and feeling- of the Inhabitants ; and we hereby pledge ourselves to 

5 render the civil power our personal assistance, in case any breach of 

^ the law should be attempted, — which, however, we do not contem- 

\ plate, being fully satisfied that, all cause of excitement being removed, 

V we shall have the voluntary concurrence of all our neighbours in an 

\ object so laudable and so conducive to our future comfort and pros- 

c perity." [670 names were attached.] 

c The Magistrates received this memorial with great satis- 
\ faction, and forwarded it to the Secretary of State, who 
\ returned a favorable answer : the inhabitants kept their 
\ promises, and thus terminated the Bull-running. 
> But though the diversion has been effectually suppressed, 
\ the present race of inhabitants must die away before the 
^ delights of the " buUards" to the chase will be forgotten. 
t Every incident that calls to the mind of the lower classes 
I the ancient holiday of the 13th November is at the present 
i time seized upon with enthusiasm, and the old "Bull" tune 
I is invariably demanded when any thing in the shape of music 
I attracts the attention. This air, which with the " Bull song" 
^ we give at pages 68 and 69, is in fact as inspiriting to the 
<- ^^s of the Stamford populace as is " Eule Britannia" to the 
[ British sailor, the " Marsellaise" to the French soldier, or 
^ the " Faderland" to the German patriot. At the Theatre, in 
^ particular, whenever a " bespeak," or a " star," or a " hene- 
< Jiciare," attracts a full house, " Bull ! bull !" is invariably 
i pealed from some corner of the gallery ; the magic word im- 
^ mediately fills the mouth of every occupant of that part of 
I the building ; it is echoed from the pit ; and order and quiet 
^ is then out of the question till the favourite tune has been 
played. An anecdote is related of the annoyance w^hich this 
outburst of the bull -running reminiscence caused the most 
eminent li\ing tragedian of the age, Mr. Macready, when 
fulfilling an engagement at Stamford. After the performance 
of Hamlet, some of the box audience desired to honor him 



67 



with the ovations that have become customary in the metro- 
polis after a fine display of talent : they called " Macready :" 
the gallery occupants, not rightly understanding the meaning 
of the call, vociferated "Bull!" and a toiTent of confused 
sounds reached the actor, in the midst of which " Macready*' 
and " Bull" harshly grated on his ears. He inquired the 
meaning of the simultaneous demand for "man and beast;" 
and upon an explanation being given to him, disgusted at 
the sickly taste which could identify the baiting of a bull 
with the delineation of Shakspeare's most elaborate tragedy, 
he exclaimed, " I presume your dull ass will not mend his 
pace with beating ;" but this Stamford custom 

"All sense doth eat 
" Of habits' devil.'* 

*' Imperious Csesar, dead and turned to clay, 
*' Might stop a hole to keep the xvind away : 
" O for Jove's thunder to stem this foolish roai* — 
"A Stamford "Bull" in truth is but a Boar (bore)." 

In defence of the bull-running diversion, persons of 
well-known probity and humanity have at different times 
been found ; though it is difficult to suppose that any of 
them would, now that the custom has been suppressed, advo- 
cate its revival : they justified it on the ground that it was a 
remnant of the old sports of England ; that it was no worse 
than hare-hunting, stag-hunting, and the like ; and that it 
inspired those who participated in the diversion with prowess, 
alacrity, and fearlessness of danger. That it had the latter 
effect is unquestionable ; for it is notorious that the Stamford 
bullards were amongst the most courageous men to be found 
in the country. Few of the real bullards, however, now re- 
main; and in the course of years it is probable that even 
the "bull tune" will be classed among the things that are 
past. 



68 



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44. 



BULL-RUNNING SONG. 



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69 



Earl "Warren was the man, 

That first began this gallant sport ; 
In the Castle he did stand. 

And saw the bonny bulls that fought ; 
The butchers with their bull-dogs came, 
These sturdy stubborn bulls to tame, 
But more with madness did inflame, 

Enrag'd they ran through Stamford. 



3. 



Delighted with the sport. 

The meadows there he freely gave, \ 

"Where these bonny bulls had fought, I 

The butchers now do hold and have ; > 

By Charter they are strictly bound, ^ 

That ev'ry year a bull be found : I 

Come daub your face you dirty clown, > 

And stump away to Stamford. 



Come, take him by the tail boys, — 

Bridge, bridge him if you can ; 
Prog him with a nail boys ; 

Never let him quiet stand : 
Through every street and lane in town 
"We'll chevy chase him up and down ; 
You sturdy strawyards ten miles round. 

Come stump away to Stamford. 

5. 

Bring with you a prog stick, — 

Boldly mount then on his back : 
Bring with you a dog dick, 

"Who will also help to bark. 
This is the rebel's riot feast. 
Humanity must be debas'd. 
And every man must do his best 

To bait the bull in Stamford. 

This was formerly the chief song of bullards in the public-houses in 
Stamford for about six weeks before and after the Bull-running day. 



70 



) Bunley (John), a White Friar, was brought up a scholar 

V from his very cradle, and noted as a man of profound learning. 

< He was buried in his own monastery in Stamford. 

\ Burgess. — This word originally implied a freeman of a 

\ burgh, or the representative of a burgh. In 1331, Edward 

\ III confirmed to the Burgesses of Stamford the privileges 

^ which had been granted to them by John Earl Warren. Ed- 

< ward rv, in 1641, incorporated the town by the name of 
\ " The Alderman and Burgesses of Stamford." The members 

< of tliis Corporation being elected by their own body from the 
\ freemen, were within the town called Capital Burgesses, 
> thereby inferring that all freemen were burgesses. This 
[ principle was further carried out by the charter of Charles 
\ II, in 1663, which styles the Corporation " The Mayor, Al- 
\ dermen, and Burgesses of Stamford ;" and the charter of 
^ James II, in 1685, names the Corporation as " The Mayor, 
) Aldermen, and Capital Burgesses." This continued until 
^ December, 1835, when the Municipal Eeform Act came 

< into operation ; by which it is designated, " The Mayor, 
S Aldermen, and Capital Burgesses of the Town or Borough 
\ of Stamford, in the County of Lincoln." Every rate-payer 
\ who occupies a house, shop, or warehouse, within the bo- 

< rough, and resides within the same, or within seven miles 
i fi.*om the Town-hall, (having occupied the same for two 
\ years and eight months from the first day of January in any 
\ year) is a burgess. At the first registration of Burgesses, in 
\ 1835, there were 780. In 1845, 807. 

\ Burghley Manor — so called, either from Berg, a hill, and 

s Ley, a pasture, or else from being the ley or pasture of the 

< Abbot of Saint Peter of the Burgh, (Peterborough,) is situate 

< in the parish of Saint Martin, Stamford Bai-on, in the county j 
/ of Northampton. 

\ Peada, the King of Mercia, founded and endowed the 

\ monastery at Peterborough about the year 656, which was 

\ completed by his son Wolfere, who, in 664, confirmed his 

\ father's gi*ant to the monastery of aU the eastern part of 

\ Northamptonshire, situate between the rivers Welland and 



71 



Nen, and bounded on the west and north by Wansford, \ 

Cliffe, Easton, and Stamford, and Burghley was held under J 

the Abbots of Peterborough in fee farm. In the time of \ 

Edward the Confessor it was held by Alfgar the King's I 

Chaplain; and in the time of the Conqueror it was held by I 

a person named Geoffry, whose surname is supposed to be > 

Winchester, as Domesday book says, " Geoffrid held Burgle I 

and Armiston," which were confirmed by Pope Eugenius in J 

1146 to the Abbey of Burgh. In or about the time of Henry > 

III, it was possessed by William de Burley, and after him I 

Thomas de Burley died possessed of it in 1280, and in I 

respect of the tenure, two horses were delivered to the Abbey e 

for a mortuary ; and on the death of Mary his widow, which > 

occiu'red soon afterwards, a cow was taken by the same title. > 

After this it continued in the Burley family, and Peter de > 

Burley held it in 1296, and obtained a grant of free warren > 

here in 1310. Geofiry, the son of Peter, had no issue by ] 

Mary or Mariot his wife, who sui-vived her husband, and I 

married John de Tichmarsh, who, in her right, held this j 

manor in 1330 ; and she appears to have continued as owner I 

here, along with James Byroun, in 1347. But it seems that \ 

Peter de Burghley had sold the manor, or the reversion at I 

least, to Kobert Wykes, from whom it descended to his great ^ 

grand-daughter, Elizabeth, the wife of John Milton, alias ^ 

Lawrence ; which Ehzabeth died possessed of it in the 5th > 

of Henry VII, leaving Henry Wykes, clerk, her next heir. \ 

The latter, who died possessed of it on the 9th of May, I 

1508, devised it to his kinswoman Margaret Chambers, and > 

to Thomas Williams, junior ; and Margaret Chambers sold > 

it to Eichai'd Cecil, Esq. s 

Another manor in this place, called the manor of Little i 

Burghley, was held by Michael de la Pole, Earl of Sufiblk } 

and Chancellor of England, who was attainted in the parlia- > 

ment of the 10th of Eichard II, and adjudged to death and \ 

forfeiture of all his estates. The king, with whom he was > 

a great favourite, did not immediately carry the sentence \ 

into execution, but the popular clamour run so hard against \ 



72 



him, that he was obliged to leave the country, and he died 
at Paris on the 5th of September, 1388. Michael de la Pole, 
his son, who married a daughter of the Earl of Stafford, 
petitioned to have this estate restored, but without success ; 
though he afterwards regained his father's rank and titles, 
and died in the service of King Hemy V, at the seige of 
Harfleur, the 14th of September, 1415, as did his eldest son 
Michael, Earl of Suffolk, in the same service, in the battle 
of Agincourt, a month afterwards. 

In 1389, this manor was granted by the crown to Robert 
Garton, William de EyveU, clerk, and Hemy de Besewick, 
clerk, in fee. In the 18th of Henry VIII, a fine was levied 
between Su- WiUiam Compton, Knt. and others, demandants, 
and Thomas Williams and others, deforcients, of the manor 
of Little Burghley ; and two years afterwai'ds another fine 
between Da\id Cecil, senior, demandant, and Henry Hum- 
port, otherwise Chambers, deforcient. 

Mr. Peck gives some account of *'the Em-ley's and 
Wyks's, successive Lords of Burley by Stanford; mostly 
from William Lord Burghley's own MS. collections. 

1. Roger, Lord of Bmiey, aHas Burwel by Stanford, mar- 
ried daughter of . 

2. By her he had issue two daughters. Cicely and Maud; 
which Maud was living 19 Edw. II, (1326). 

3. This Maud man-ied and had issue Peter. 

4. This Peter married and had a son by her; but what 
his name was occurs not. 

5. This Peter (Lord of Burley) sold the old Manor 29 E. 
3, to Robert Wykes. 

6. This Robert Wykes married Katherine, the daughter 
of — , and by her had issue Edmund, Nicholas, and Thomas. 

7. In the 35 Edw. Ill, (1362) this Robert the father, in 

. , feoffed divers persons in all his lands, (viz. — Thomas 

de Spofford, Vicar of S. Andrews, in Stanford, and others,) 
who entailed the same to his children. 

8. Edmund, the eldest son of this Robert Wykes, died 
without issue, as did also Nicholas his second son. Where- 



73 



s upon Thomas his third son succeeded to all the lands and \ 

^ inheritance of his father. ] 

\ 9. This Thomas married a daughter of — — . By her he < 

^ had issue Gervase, Thomas, John, Henry, and Eichard. ] 

^ 10. Gervase, his eldest son, succeeded him as heir of the \ 

< old Manor of Burley, and had issue Elizabeth, an only s 
I daughter. < 
I 11. Thomas, his second son, died without issue. \ 
( 12. John, his third son, had issue Henry, (afterwards I 
I Vicar of All Saints in Foro, Stanford,) and Joan, a daughter, i 
I 13. Henry, his fourth son, died without issue. > 

< 14. Eichard, his fifth and youngest son, ut junicn^ filius \ 
c hahuit terras in Stanford, qua est consuetudo Borough English, \ 

< and had issue John. \ 
( < 
\ 15. EHzabeth (daughter of Gervase, eldest son of Thomas, \ 

\ son of Eobert Wyks), married John Milton, alias Laurence, \ 

c and died without issue. J 

^ 16. Note, This Elizabeth was heir of the old Manor of \ 

\ Burley, as tenant in tail. \ 

^ 17. John Milton, alias Laurence, her husband, bought \ 

\ the new Manor of Burley of the executors of Lord ^^ 

< Crumwell, 17 Edw. IV, (1478,) and afterwards by his will \ 
( devised it to be sold. S 

< 18. Upon the decease of Elizabeth Wyks, (wife of John \ 
\ Milton, alias Laurence,) Henry Wyks, Clerk, (son of John, \ 
\ third son of Thomas, son of Eobert Wyks,) became heir of \ 

< the old Manor of Burley, as tenant in tail. 5 
\ 19. Likewise, upon his cousin John Milton, alias Lau- \ 

< rence, his devising by will that the new Manor of Burley ^ 
\ (by him purchased of the Lord Crumwell's executors,) ( 
\ should be sold, the said Henry bought the new Manor, and > 
\ so became possessed of both Manors. Of which last he 
\ was found seised 5 Hen. VII (1490). 
\ 20. Eichard Wyks, of Stanford, (the fifth and youngest 

\ son of Thomas, son of Eobert Wyks,) married , daughter 

's of , and by her had issue John. 

\ 21 . This John manied , daughter of , and had 



74 



^ issue Margaret ; which Margaret, when she grew up unto > 

5 years, became the wife of Henry Chambers. s 

> 22. On the 9 May, 1508, (23 Hemy VII,) died Henry I 
I Wyks, Clerk, Vicar of AU Saints' in Foro, Stanford, and I 

> was buried in the choir of liis own church : over whom was > 
) ^ 
I soon after laid a blew marble stone, on which is a gilded ^ 

I brass-plate with his pourtrait, vested in his priestly garments, l 

> as when he used to say Mass, with this inscription under ^ 

> his feet : " Orate pro Anima Henrici WykySy quondam \ 
\ Vicarii istius JEcclesie ; qui obiit nono Die mensis Maii, / 
\ mcccccviii Cujus Jnime propitietur Dens, Jmen." ^ 
I 23. By the death of the said Hemy, (his sister Joan dying > 

> also witbout issue,) the old Manor of Burley by Stanford ^ 

> descended to Mai'garet, (wife of Henry Chambers, and only s 

> daughter of John, son of Eichard, fifth son of Thomas, third \ 
I son of Eobert Wykes,) as tenant in tail. ^ 
\ 24. Henry Wykes, Clerk, (late Vicar of All Saints, and ^ 
; her near kinsman,) devised by will the new Manor of Burley ^ 
\ to her the said Margaret Chambers and Thomas Williams, I 
I junior. So she had both the Manors. > 
i 25. " Ista Margarita vendidit omnes suas Terras Hichardo I 
s Cecill Patri meg." > 

> Burghley House and Gardens, ^c. — This splendid building > 
\ was commenced in 1575, by the Lord Treasurer, William ] 
\ Cecil, Baron of Burghley. The house is of freestone, in the ^ 
< form of a parallelogi-am ; the inner court of which measiu-es ^ 
\ 110 feet by 70. The chimnies are formed of pillars of the ' 

> Doric order, connected at the top by a frieze and cornice. > 

> Mr. John Thoi'pe, an eminent architect in the reign of ^ 
I Elizabeth, planned and superintended the building of this \ 
\ noble mansion. On the North is the principal entrance, s 
\ bearing the date 1587. The circumference of the circular I 

> grass-plot is about a furlong. On each side of the door is a \ 
] platform extending 90 feet by 18 ; the whole front is 200 > 
s feet. The ascent to the house is by nine large semicircular > 
\ steps. The entrance to each of the four fronts are capacious ^ 
) gateways, with large gilded doors, which add much to the \ 



75 



appearance of the house. Within, suiTounded by massy- 
buildings, is a beautiful Court. The spire of the Chapel 
and the numerous turrets, cupolas, and chimnies, give it the 
appearance of a town. The shrubberies and gardens are j 
neat and pleasing : in the latter is a greenhouse 100 feet i 
by 18, containing many rare i)lants ; about the year 1755 \ 
great additions were made to the shrubberies. The walks > 
are ornamented with beautiful gi-ottoes and temples. I 

The celebrity of Burghley House and its rich contents of \ 
paintings and articles of vertu is as extensive as that of any > 
mansion in the kingdom. Its historical associations, — also, I 
it having been many times the object of Eoyal visits, has > 
secured for it a renown that will probably outlive the ' 
remotest descendants of the Cecil family. A description of > 
all the incidents and raiities connected with it would exceed > 
our limits : and as it is at all times open to the public in- \ 
spection for a small gratuity to the housekeeper, such a \ 
description is unnecessary in a work that merely pretends i 
to be a chronological record. { 

In 1825, a fire broke out in the library (which contains 
above 5000 volumes), but fortunately the flames were 
speedily extinguished, and the damage did not exceed £100. 

On the 20th of October, 1826, the house was struck by 
lightning, and the Marchioness of Exeter naiTowly escaped. 

On the 21st of September, 1835, her present Majesty 
(then Princess Victoria^, accompanied by her mother, (her 
Eoyal Highness the Duchess of Kent,) visited Burghley, — 
and again, since her accession to the throne, in 1844, accom- 
panied by the Prince Consort. — See Adelaide, Victoria, and 
Royal Visits. 

Burghley Park is situated at the south-east end of Stam- 
ford ; it is beautifully laid out with walks, and thickly but 
not too extensively studded with stately trees. It lies on 
undulating ground, the lower part being especially jDictu- 
resque in this particular'. It is divided into three portions, 
respectively called the UiDper, Lower, and Middle Parks. 
The house is situated at the east end of the latter; and is 



76 



approached from the North-road by a grand lodge, along a 
gravel road of one mile and one hundred and eighty-eight 
yards in extent. This road is joined by branches, one of 
which leads to the ornamental lake, across which is a hand- 
some stone bridge of three arches, surmounted by four full- 
sized lions couchant, (one at each corner) excellently carved 
in stone by Mr. Hemy Gilbert, of Stamford. The lake is 
about three-quarters of a mile in length, in some parts very 
broad, and of considerable depth. In hard winters it is a 
favorite resort for skaters from Stamford, — as many as 1200 
or 1400 persons having been counted on the ice at one time. 

It is worthy of record, as highly creditable to the Marquis of ^ 

Exeter, that he keeps apparatus for the recovery of drowning > 

persons ; and allows the use of his baths on such emergen- s 

cies. The plantations and avenues in the park are so < 

arranged that a view from the house is maintained in three I 

or four directions through vistas of noble chesnuts, oaks, ^ 

and beech. The lower park is always open to the public ; S 

the middle park is used chiefly for grazing purposes ; and ^ 

the upper park is appropriated to an extensive herd of deer. \ 

The entire park is above two miles in length and a mile in < 

breadth, and contains about 1400 acres. ( 

Burghley Lodges,-^&x the top of Saint Martin's, form two I 

houses, and were built in 1801, by Hemy the Tenth Earl i 

and First Marquis of Exeter, at a cost of about £5000. Mr. < 

Legge, of Stamford, was the architect of this elegant structure, ^ 

which is in the Elizabethan style. The existing posts of < 

Aberdeen granite, and massive chains, were placed in front < 

of the Lodges about 1828, by the present Marquis. There < 

are also very neat Lodges a mile and a quai'ter on the road ^ 

from Stamford to Pilsgate, erected by the present Marquis < 

of Exeter in 1827. \ 

Burials — first peimitted in towns in 762. < 

Burial-place without the town. — During the interdict of I 

the Pope in the 9th of King John (1208), William Earl i 

Warren granted five acres of land without the east gate for ^ 

the purpose of burying excommunicated persons ; he also < 



gave a chapel and house for the use of poor brethren in these 
turbulent times. We have no account as to what became 
of this ground, but it would certainly prove very useful were 
it restored for a cemetery. 

Burley, Johyi, — a Cannelite Friar of Stamford, and a scho- 
lar of great repute, died and was buried in the White-fiiary 
here in 1332. — See Carmelite Friary, 

Butchers' Shambles and Portico. — These buildings were 
erected at the expence of the corporation by ^Mr. Legge, and 
finished in 1807 ; and it must be allowed that they not only 
prove of great utility, but are also an ornament to the town. 
The south and principal entrance opening into High-street 
through iron gates, foi-ms the butter-market,* and is a lofty 
portico that measures withinside forty-one feet by twenty- 
eight : it is supported by eight plain columns at the ends 
and by side waUs; the latter of which are terminated by 
watch-houses, house for the beadle, and other offices. At 
the north of this portico is the fish-market, which had covered 
stalls on each side, and a large stone pump in the centre. 
This market formed a square whose sides measured about 
fifty feet ; but in 1845, four new cells were added on the 
west side of it in room of part of the covered fish-market : 
it is separated from the butchery by a double flight of as- 
cending steps. 

The butchers' shambles consist of two outside and two 
centre covered rows of stalls, neatly and strongly built, (53 
in number,) the whole occupying an area in the form of a 
par allele gi-am, of one hundred and fifty feet by fifty-four. 
The north entrance is of stone, containing two gates, which 
lead into that part of Broad-street called the Hay-market. 

Bye-laws. — At a Meeting of the Council, held at the 
Town-hall in Stamford, on the Tenth day of January, 
One Thousand Eight Hundred and Forty-four, pursuant to 
a legal notice and summons, two-thirds of the whole number 

* The butter and poultry market is however (notwithstanding the 
superior accommodations of tiie Portico,) held in Ked Lion-square 
on Fridays. 



of tlie Council being then and there present ; the following 
Bye-laws (as amended by her Majesty's principal Secretary 
of State for the Home Depai-tment) were then and there 
made, ordained, and declaimed, in pursuance of the power to 
the said Council in that behalf given by an Act of Parliament 
made and passed in the fifth and sixth yeai's of the reign of 
his late Majesty King William the Fourth, intituled, "An 
Act to provide for the Eegulation of Municipal Corporations 
in England and Wales," that is to say. — 

" 1. — That the fine to be payable by any Member of the 
Council who shall have been legally elected to the of&ce of 
Mayor, for his non-accei)tance of such office shall be One 
Hundi-ed Pounds. 

" 2. — That the fine to be payable by any Burgess who 
shall have been legally elected to the office of Aldei-man, for 
his non-acceptance of such office shall be Twenty Pounds. 

" 3. — That the fine to be payable by any Burgess who 
shall have been legally elected to the office of Councillor, 
for his non-acceptance of such office shall be Twenty Pounds. 

" 4. — That the fine to be payable by any Burgess who 
shall have been legally elected to the office of Revising 
Assessor, for his non-acceptance of such office shall be Ten 
Pounds. I 

"5. — That the fine to be payable by any Burgess who \ 
shall have been legally elected to the office of Assessor for \ 
the whole Borough, for his non-acceptance of such office < 
shall be Ten Pounds. < 

" 6. — That the fine to be payable by any Bm-gess who c 
shall have been legally elected to the office of Auditor, for < 
his non-acceptance of such office shall be Ten Pounds. ^ 

" 7. — That the fine to be payable by any Burgess who [ 
shall have been legally elected to the office of Wai-d Assessor, ( 
for his non-acceptance of such office shall be Ten Pounds, < 

" 8. — That every member of the Council who shall not I 
attend all meetings of the Council before the expiration of \ 
half an hour, (to be determined by Saint Maiy's Clock,) ^ 
after the time fixed for each Meeting, shall forfeit and pay I 



79 



for each oflence the sum of Two Shillings and Six-pence, 
unless the cause of his non-attenclance be communicated 
to the Mayor, or Chairman, and allowed by the Council. 

" 9. — That every member of any Committee appointed by 
the Council who shall not attend two successive meetings 
of such Committee before the expiration of half an hour (to 
be determined by Saint Mary's Clock) after the time fixed 
for each meeting, shall forfeit and pay the sum of Two Shil- 
lings and Sixpence; the non-attendance to be reported by 
the Chairman of the Committee to the Council at the next 
Council meeting, who shall declare such fines to have been 
respectively incurred, and thereupon the same shall be im- 
posed and levied, unless the cause or causes of the non- 
attendance in each case shall be communicated to and allowed 
by the Council. 

"10 — That no member of the Council, or of any Com- 
mittee appointed by the Council, present at any meeting of 
the Council, or of any such Committee, shall depart or 
withdraw from such Council or Committee meeting without 
the permission of the Mayor or Chairman : any member of 
the Council guilty of a breach of this Bye-law to forfeit and 
pay the sum of Two Shillings and Six-pence in each case. 

"11. — That every person above the age of twelve years 
who shall bathe in the Eiver Welland, or any other river, 
brook, or open water, or indecently expose his person within 
eighty yards of any dwelling-house, or of any public foot or 
carriage way within the liberties of the said Borough, shall 
forfeit and pay any sum not exceeding Ten Shillings. 

" 12. — That every person who shall wilfully obstruct the 
free passage along or across any of the causeways, foot- 
passages, or bridges within the said Borough, to the incon- 
venience of Passengers thereon, shall for every such offence 
forfeit and pay any sum not exceeding Ten Shillings. 

" 13. — That every person who shall cast, or throw any 
stone, or other missile, in any street, lane, or place within 
the said Borough to the annoyance or injury of any person 




80 



or persons, shall forfeit and pay any Sum not exceeding Ten \ 

Shillings. \ 

" 14. — That every person who shall he convicted of any \ 

offence against any of the foregoing Bye-laws, shall also ^ 

forfeit and pay the expenses of such conviction. \ 



«F. JELLEY, 

I 

^ " Mayor," 



" / do hereby certify that a copy of the foregoing* Bye-laws, sealed 
with the seal of the Borough of Stamford, was, on the Twelfth day 
of January now last past, sent to Her Majesty's principal Secretary 
of State for the Home Department, and that another copy thereof, 
sealed as aforesaid, was, on the Thirteenth day of January now last 
past, affixed on the outer door of the Town-hall of the said Borough, 
pursuant to the directions of the statute in that case made and 
provided. And I do hereby further certify that Her Majesty has 
not thought fit to disallow any of the said Bye-laws. 

" Witness my hand this Twenty-eighth day of February, 1844. 

« J. TOEKINGTON, Town Clerk." 
— See Corporation. 

Calvlnists. — See North-street Chapel, 

Campden (Viscount). — Charles George Noel, eldest son 
of the Earl of Gainsborough, was born September 5, 1818 ; 
manied November 1, 1841, Lady Adelaide Augusta Hay, 
eldest daughter of the Earl of EitoI : succeeded his uncle 
the Hon. W. M. Noel as M.P. for Rutland, January 30, 1840. 
At the general election in August, 1841, his Lordship was 
opposed and defeated by the Hon. W. H. Dawnay : the num- \ 
bers being, for Noel 664; Dawnay 676. — See Dawnay and \ 
Gainsborough. i 

Carmelite Friary. — See White-friary. \ 

Carr, Rev. Robert Lascelles. — Among the many eminent J 
divines whose ministrations in Stamford have been distin- \ 
guished, this gentleman's name is entitled to particular note. \ 
He enjoyed great popularity as a preacher; and in private ? 



81 



life was valued for his christian virtues. He was Curate of 
the parishes of Saint Mary and Saint George, and chaplain 
to the Right Hon. Lord Mendip. He was son of the Eev. 
Samuel Carr, D.D., Eector of Saint Andrew Undershaft, and 
Finchley, Middlesex, and Prebendary of Saint Paul's. He 
died on the 12th of November, 1811, at the age of 35. 

The Stamford News (Drakard's) of November 15, 1811, 
thus describes his character : — " If it may be allowed us to 
pay a tribute of respect to his memory, we would say, that 
he was a man of an enlarged and benevolent mind, possessed 
of powers which adversity had of late injured, but which 
ought to have exempted him from its influence. His zeal 
was never without knowledge, but it was sometimes exercised 
in contempt of worldly prudence. It was devoted to religion ; 
and it was instantaneously animated by the call of friendship 
or of misfortune ; but, as it led him to express the real senti- 
ments of his heart without reference to circumstances, it 
laid the foundation of many a bitter grief. His general 
situation and certain points of his character cannot be more 
justly delineated, than in words which the reader will peruse 
with a melancholy interest, when he learns that they were 
marked by Mr. Carr's own hand, in a biographical account 
of the late Eev. Perceval Stockdale, published in the Gen- 
tleman's Magazine for October last : — ' His temperament 
was that of acute sensibility. He suffered under the pres- 
sure of extreme debility and nervous iiTitation. To this 
morbid sensibility of his nerves, may be derived all the 
errors (if in the case of the subject of these remai'ks they 
may be called errors,) which cast a temporary shade over 
the brightness of his character.' It is with pain we add that, 
among other passages, we find Mr. Carr's pencil encircling 
the following: 'There are mental wounds, there are pun- 
gent mental tortures, through every stage of our existence, 
of which common minds have not the least idea or per- 
ception.' Mr, Can-'s death has released him fi'om a state of 
bodily pain and of unmerited misfortune ; but, through it, 
Stamford has lost a sincere and eloquent preacher, and 



'; 



82 



the churcli of England a zealous and able son." — See Saint 
George's Church. 

Casterton New Road, — opened May 12tli, 1834. 

Castle, on North side of the Wetland. — This structure is 
supposed to have been built by the Danes in the reign of 
Ethelred I, in 870, when they destroyed the monasteries 
of Ely, Croyland, Peterborough, and Huntingdon. It was 
held by them in 880; and in 911, finding they could no 
longer keep it, they demolished it to prevent the Saxons fi'om 
making use of it. Leland and Matthew of Westminster 
state that Elfleda the sister of Edward the Elder, and wife 
of Ethelred, a Mercian Earl, "re-built the Castle of Stam- 
ford, on the northern bank of the Weilland, in 914." In 922, 
Edwai'd the Elder having a castle on the south side the 
Welland, compelled the Danes, who it appears then had 
possession of this castle, to surrender it. Edmund Ironside, 
being in difficulty with the Danes, yielded to their Prince, 
Onlaf, half the kingdom, including the city of Lincoln and 
the towns of Leicester, Nottingham, Derby, and Stamford ; 
but in 942 he retook them, and they remained in the hands 
of the Saxons till the invasion of Sweyne or Suane, King of 
Denmark, in 1013." Ingulphus says that Baston, Langtoft, 
^ Peakirk, Glinton, Northborough, Maxey, Etton, Barnack, 

< Peterborough, Eye, Thorpe, Walton, Wittering, Paston, 
c Dogsthorpe, and Castor, were all burnt, and the inhabitants 
] taken captives. The above-named city and towns suiTen- 
\ dered, and in 1014 Ethelred plundered them for submitting 
\ to the Danes. In 1015, Edward, son of Ethelred, again 
( reduced Stamford : and in 1016 Canute passed through the 
\ Fens to Stamford, which he attacked outrageously. On the 

< death of Hardicanute, in 1041, the Saxons again took pos- 
\ session of the castle which they repaired and kept. On the 
\ 25th of September, 1066, Harrold II defeated his brother 
\ Tosti and the King of Norway at Stamford : but HaiTold was 
\ slain by the Normans in the decisive battle of Hastings on 
\ the 14th of October following, when the castle was taken 
\ by William the Conqueror. In 1 152, during the wai' between 



83 



Hemy II and Stephen, the former took it after being twice 
repulsed. 

In the reign of John, the families of the Earls Warren 
are said to have occupied it. During the reign of Eichard 
III, the castle was for the last time destroyed about 1483, 
and the materials employed to repair the White -fiiary. The 
hill on which it stood is supposed to have been chiefly cast 
up by hands ; for, in digging, the earth plainly appeared to 
be artificial, and not in natural layers ; the site of it is still 
very conspicuous on the south side of the town, near Saint 
Peter's-hill. 

Castle, on the South side of the Wetland. — In 880, the 
Saxons, under Alfred, held a castle on the site of the Nuns' 
farm, but this was shortly demolished by the Danes. In 922, 
Edward the Elder repaired it, and it was of such importance 
that it enabled him to take the whole town. This castle was 
finally destroyed during the war between Hem-y II and 
Stephen, about 1152. 

Catholic (Roman) Chapel. — The Eoman Catholics in this 
town ai'e not numerous, although they have much increased 
within the last five years. About 1815, the Catholics pur- 
chased a house and premises in All Saints'- street, the site of 
the present chapel, and with the rent hired a large room at 
the house of Mr. J. Swaine, (now occupied by Mr. Maxey,) 
in Saint Peter's-street, where sei-vice was performed once a 
month. In 1826, a chapel was erected in the yard behind 
the house, which was then occupied by Mr. Edwai'd Kirby; 
and in 1833, the house was pulled down, and the chapel 
enlarged to its present form, and opened on the 5th of Feb- 
ruary, 1834. In 1835, the house and premises on the east 
side the chapel was purchased as a habitation for the Priest. 
The first Eoman Catholic Clergyman who resided in Stam- 
ford, was the Eev. W. Waring, afterwards E. C. Bishop of 
Melipotamus, and he now resides at Northampton. The 
next was the Eev. A. M'Dermott, a man of considerable 
learning ; and the present is the Eev. T. J. O'Conner, who 
has been the most active of the three in making converts. 



84 



and in providing for his fellow-countrymen, the Irish, when 
in distress ; and in harvest-time it is tiTily wonderful to see 
the authority he exercises over the natives of our sister 
Isle. The district allotted to this chapel is very large ; it 
extends to Thorney and Wisbech-fen, in the Isle of Ely. 
The Roman Catholic places of worship nearest to Stamford 
are at Grantham, Melton, and Irnham. 

It being understood that Mr. 0' Conner was about to leave, 
the Catholics presented him with a purse containing a hand- 
some sum, and an elegant silver snuflf-box bearing the 
following inscription : — 

"Presented to the Eev. T. J. O'Conner, May 4th, 1846, by the 
Catholics of Stamford, as a token of their esteem for his zealous and 
faithful ministry." 

Cecil (Family of). — The following is from Collins' Peerage. 

Sitsilt, Robert, the assistant of Robert Fitz Hamon in the 
time of King William Rufus had issue — 

Sitsilt, Sir James, Lord of Beauport or Beaupre in Glamor- 
ganshire, killed at the siege of Wallingford in the fourth 
year of King Stephen, who had issue four daughters and a 
son — 

Sitsilt, John, who served in the wars with Roger Earl of 
Hereford, and was taken prisoner at the siege of Lincoln in 
the ninth year of King Stephen, and was, for raising his 
ransom of 400 marks, necessitated to sell his lordship of 
Beauport and his lands in Gloucestershire. He had issue, 
by Matilda his wife, daughter of ' de Frenes, a son and 
heir — 

Sitsilt, Eustace, who, by Eleanor his wife, daughter of 
Sir Walter Pembrugge, Knight, had issue — 

Sitsilt, Sir Baldwin, who was knighted by King Henry the 
II, and killed at the siege of the Castle of Cardiff, his 
father then living. He had two wives ; — the first Matilda 
daughter of Maurice de Brampton, by whom he had issue 
five sons, — Gerald, Eustace, Henry, John, and Walter; and 
two daughters, — Catharine, mamed to Hugh ap Meredith 
or Meredake, and Eleanor to Walter Wallis: — the second, 



85 



Margaret, daughter of Sir Stephen Radnor, Knight, by whom J 

he had issue four sons, — Stephen, Roger, Hugh, and David ; I 

and three daughters, — Matilda, a nun; Johanna, mamed to [ 

John de Solers ; and Anne, mamed to Owen ap Meredith — \ 

Sitsilt, Gerald or Gerard, the eldest son, married Mabel I 

or Sibil daughter of Sir William Moigne, Knight, and had 5 

issue Gerald, who died an infant, and Robert; Owen, amonkin '. 

the Abbey of Dore in Herefordshire ; Catharine, married to < 

Sir Griffin ap Yereford, Knight, and afterwards to David ap | 

Evan, and thirdly to Geoffrey, son of Sir Walter Bret, Knight ; > 

Anne, married to Robert son of Richai'd Bromwich ; and ^ 

Ellen, married to John son of Sir Richard Aberhale, Knight — < 

Sitsilt, Robert, the son of Gerald, married Alice or Julian, \ 
the daughter of Sir Robert de Tregoze, Knight, and had issue \ 
James, Gerald, Thomas, Bald^dn, Mai'garet, and Elizabeth — \ 

Sitsilt, James, eldest son of Robert, maiTied Isabel, < 
daughter of Sir John Knowle, Knight, and had issue James, > 
Gerald, Robert, and John; Alice, married to Walter Mo- \ 
nington; Grace, married to Roger son of William Blunt; I 
Eleanor, manied to Thomas Paine ; Margery, married to 
Morgan ap Meredith; and Cecily, first married to Howel ap 
Blethin, and afterwards to Sir Hugh Bruge, Knight — 

Sitsilt, Gerald, the second son (James the eldest dying 
an infant), succeeded, and married, first, Margaret, daughter 
of Stephen de la Bere, by whom he had issue John; — 
secondly, Bridget, widow of Sir Simon Ward, Knight, by 

whom he had issue James ; — thirdly, daughter of Martin 

Hopton, by whom he had issue Martin, Hemy, David, and 
Jane ; and — lastly, Jolianna, daughter of Robert Emerton, 
by whom he had issue Stigand Sitsilt, slain at the siege of 
Strivelin in Scotland, in the reign of Edward the II, who 
had no issue. 

Sitsilt, John, the eldest son of the first marriage, married 
Sibil daughter of Robert Ewias, and had issue Sir John and 
George, the latter of whom married Margaret, daughter of 
Sir Ralph Waldesley, Knight, and hadtwo daughters, Johanna, 



86 



I. 



man-ied to Sir Ricliai'd Baskerville, and Mai'garet, married 
to Sir Eobert Basker\ille — 

Sitsilt, Sir Jolin, eldest son of John, described by Bosse- 
well to be son of John, son of George. He is also said to 
have had the chai'ge of men at arms for the custody of the 
marches of Scotland in the 11th Edward III, and to have 
mamed Alice, sister of Sir Robert Baskerville, and to have 
had issue — 

Sitsilt, John, who died in the life-time of his father, having 
man-ied Johanna, daughter of Sir Richard Monington, 
Knight, by whom he had issue — 

Sitsilt, Thomas, of Alterennes, with whom the Pedigree 
in the genealogical table at the end of the book commences. 

Cecil, David, Esq. — This gentleman was gi-andfather to 
William Cecil, Lord Treasurer to Queen Elizabeth ; he was 
chief magistrate for this Borough in 1504-15-26, and high 
sheriff for Northamptonshire in 1542-3. He founded a 
chantry in Saint George's church in 1507. He made his 
wiU in 1535, from which the following curious extract is 
taken : — 

" 1. — Feb. 3, 1535, in Conversione S Pauli, In the Name of God, 
Amen. I, David Cecill of Stanford, in the County of Northampton, 
Esq., &c., bequeth my Body to be buried in the Parish Churche of 
S. George in Stanford. 

" 2. — Item, I Tvill that my Wife have aU the Plate that was hers 
before I manied her; and twenty Kye and a Bull, &c. 

" 3. — Item, I give to Kichard Cycell myne eldest Sou, two com- 
plete Fetherbeds, &c. 

"4. — Item, To Joane my Daughter, twenty Pounds ; and one half 
of the Household Goods at Dowsby [in Com. Line] and Nassington 
[in Com. Northampt.] 

"5. — And a Prieste to sing a Year at St. George's Chiu-ch at Stan- 
ford, &c. Frobatum 16 Martii 1541. m JRegistro Spei't, in Curia 
Prerogativa Cant. Anno 1536. " David Cecil Aviis mens, mortum 
est." 

He died early in 1541 , and was bui'ied in Saint George's 
church, Stamford. 

Cecil, William, son and heir of Richai'd Cecil, and the 



87 



great adyancer of his name and family, was born at Bourne, 
in tlie county of Lincoln, on tlie 13tli of September, 1520, 
most probably in tlie house of his gi'andfather Heckington. 
Wilham Cecil was educated partly in the Grammar-school 
at Grantham, (then lately founded by Fox Bishop of Win- 
chester,) afterwards at Stanford, and thence removed to St. 
John's College, Cambridge, where he is said to have been 
distinguished by the regulaiity of his life and the severity of 
his studies. On the 6th of May, 1541, he went to Gray's 
Inn, and there became a student of the laws ; where, by 
report, he profited as he had before done at Cambridge, and 
obtained a perfect acquaintance with the constitution of his 
country : yet if we attend to dates, we shall find he continued 
at Gray's Inn barely three months, in vacation time ; and it 
appears that whilst he was there he lost his money by gaming, 
but obtained it again by fi-ightening his opponent in the 
night, by playing the ghost thi-ough a hole in the wall, \ 
which caused the young man to beg pardon of Cecil the next ] 
morning, and give up his ill-gotten treasure. During his > 
residence at Gray's Inn, however, he went to his father at > 
court ; and there he had a conversation in Latin with two > 
of the chaplains of O'Neale, in which he so well exposed > 
their want of learning, that the King, hearing of their con- ] 
versation, appointed him Custos-Brevium of the Court of I 
Common Pleas in reversion. He then left Gray's Inn in ] 
pursuit of another line of fortune, and was meirried on the I 
8th of August, 1541, to his first mfe Maiy, the sister of Sir > 
John Cheeke ; which lady was delivered of his eldest son ^ 
Thomas on the 5th of May, 1542, and died on the 22nd of > 
February following. Through the interest of Sir John > 
Cheeke he was recommended to the notice of the Earl of \ 
Hertford (afterwards Duke of Somerset), uncle to the Prince ] 
(afterwards King Edwai'd the 6th), to whom Cheeke was \ 
tutor ; and on the 21st of December, 1545, he strengthened 
his interest at court by a second marriage ^ith Mildred, one 
of the daughters of Sir Anthony Cooke, of Geddey Hall, in 
Essex, Knight, another of the Prince's tutors. 



In the 1st year of Edward the VI (1547), he was elected 
to represent the Borough of Stamford in Parliament : about 
the same time he came into possession of the office of Gustos 
Brevium, and in the same year, through the favor of the 
Protector Duke of Somerset, he was appointed to the newly 
established office of Master of Bequests, the salary and pro- 
fits of which, according to his own account, amounted to 
£239. 13. 4. annually; in those days a considerable income. 
The same year he accompanied the Protector into Scotland, 
and was at the celebrated battle of Musselborough, fought 
on the 10th of September. In September, 1548, he was 
appointed Secretary of State ; and in October, 1549, when 
popular disturbances were raised against the Protector, and 
many of his friends were examined in council, and some of 
them were committed to the tower, Cecil was for a short 
time dismissed with his liberty ; but in the month of No- 
vember following, he appears to have been in the number of 
the prisoners, and he from that time continued in confine- 
ment a quarter of a year: this, however, was but a step 
backwards to invigorate his exertions for future advancement; 
for, on the 6th of September, 1551, he was restored to the 
office of Secretary of State ; and on the ] 1th of October 
following, he was sworn of the Privy Council and received 
the honor of knighthood. The ruin and the death of Somer- 
set soon followed ; but the parasites of a court do not, like 
ivy, cling to the falling battlements, and the Secretary, ere 
long, was as much in the favor and confidence of the cun- 
ning and ferocious Dudley Duke of Northumberland, as he 
had before been with his more gentle and less circumspect 
predecessor. 

This might be credited, indeed, without running into the 
extreme of sujjposing him an instrument in the ruin of his 
former patron, if there were no other ground for suspecting 
his want of fidelity on that occasion; but the Secretary was 
certainly suspected by Somerset himself, who, having told 
the Secretary he had apprehensions of some ill, and being 
answered that if he were not guilty he might be of good 



89 



courage, but if he were, the Secretary could only lament 
him, replied to the unfeeling consolation by a letter of defi- 
ance : and though we are told by the editors of the Biogra- 
phia Britannica, that " it appears plainly that notwithstanding 
the great favor the Secretary stood in with his master, and 
the court which was paid him upon this account by the 
greatest men, yet he neither made private advantages to 
himself by grants, nor would he hinder in any manner the 
fortunes of other men ;" the assertion is perversely contra- 
dicted by an enormous grant of estates to Sir William Cecil 
remaining on record, dated 2nd November, 6th Edward VI 
(1551), which is but seventeen days after his patron the 
Duke of Somerset was sent to the tower, and is anterior to 
the Duke's trial and execution. 

The following is a list of Church Property which came 
into the hands of William Lord Burghley, and is taken from 
an account of the property returned by the inquest held after 
the death of that Nobleman, and enumerated in Peck's 
" Desiderata Curiosa" : — 

The Cell of Saint Leonard's Priory, Stamford. 

Thetford Hall, lately belonging to the dissolved Monastery of 
Crowland. 

rieeteland Mill, lately belonging to the dissolved Monastery of 
the Saint Virgin Mary at Winton. 

Site of the Grey-friars at Stamford. 

Site and Lands of the Augustine and Carmehte Friars at Stamford. 

Lands and Tenements lately belonging to the Cell of the Holy 
Trinity at Bourne. 

Manor of Cherry Willingham, lately belonging to the dissolved 
College of Tattershall. 

Manor and Lands and Tenements at Eevesby lately belonging to 
the dissolved College of Tattershall and the Monastery of Eevesby. 

Manor of Colsterworth, and Lands and Tenements at Somerby, 
lately belonging to the dissolved College of Fotheringhay. 

Site of the dissolved Priory of Saint Michael's, Stamford. 

The Eectory of Saint Martin's 

Manor and Rectory of Wothorpe. 

Site of the Chapel of Saint Mary Magdelene in Saint Blartin's, 



N 



90 



\ Manor of Stamford Baron, with Lands and Tenements lately be- 

c longing to the Church of Peterboro'. 

c Lands and Tenements in Stamford Baron, lately belonging to the 

d Chapel of Saint Thomas on the Bridge at Stamford. 

^ Lands and Tenements in Stamford Baron, lately belonging to the 

< Gmld of Saint Martin. 

5 Site and Lands lately belonging to the Abbey of P5T)well. 

^ Lands and Tenements at Collyrveston, lately belonging to the 

^ Priory of Saint Michael's, near Stamford. 

c Other Lands and Tenements in Stamford Baron, called " Chappel 

\ Lands", viz: — Lands belonging to Trinity Chapel, Saint Thomas' 

c Chapel, Saint John's Chapel upon Stanford Bridge, Saint Mary's 

< Chapel at Deeping, -with certain other Lands in Stanford, Pylesgate, 

< Stepington, Helpston, Paston, Worthorpe, Burghley, and Ketton. 

< The Site and Lands of Cheshunt Nunnery, 

^ On the 12th of April, 1533, he was appointed Chancellor 

I of the Order of the Garter. And though it is pretended he 

^( got into disgi-ace with the Duke of Northumberland for 

< not consenting to the purposes of the latter respecting 

< Lady Jane Grey, we have no proof of his being in disgrace 
\ with Northumberland before Northumberland himself was 
i disgraced and ruined. And as to the report that the Secre- 
r tary evaded the request made to him by the Duke to draw 
I up the proclamation of Lady Jane's title to the crown, and 

< referred his gi-ace to the Attorney and Solicitor General as 
i better skilled in the law, and that he afterwai-ds absolutely 
^ negatived a request to Mm to write a letter in justifica- 
l tion of the title of Lady Jane, in which Queen Mai-y was to 
I be treated as a bastai'd : if we give the utmost credit to both 
^ those circumstances, they afford no proof, no presumption 

< even, that the Secretary was inimical to the pretensions of 

< Lady Jane, or friendly to the right of Queen Mary, at the 
^ risk of his own interest. Had he supported Lady Jane he 
S would have been proscribed as a traitor; by deserting her 
s he kept his head safe upon his shoulders, and steered his 
i fortune out of the way of confiscation. With such an alter- 
? native before him, it will not be difficult to conjecture the 
\ choice of a wary man who was thiiving at coui-t ; though it 



\ CEC 91 

^^ ___ 

^ is not to be expected that Cecil continued in the same degree 

<. of favor there on the accession of Queen Mary (who was 

s perfectly free from obligations to him for any past services) 

c as he had held under her predecessor. He, however, ob- 

^ tained a pardon from her in the first year of her reign ; and 

\ as abilities such as his, accompanied by such perseverance, 

I cannot be suppressed without being crushed, he was soon 

^ afterwards brought into notice ; and we are told he might 

< have been restored to the office of Secretary of State, and to 

< a seat at the Council table if he would have changed his 
r religion : these were strong temptations. It must not, how- 
^ ever, be forgotten that Cecil was charged in contemporary 

< libels with creeping to the cross in Queen Mary's time. 

< In November, 155-1, he was sent to BruxeUes with the 
i Lord Paget to bring Cardinal Pole into England. In 1555 

< (3rd of Queen Maiy) he was elected to represent the county 
^ of Lincoln in Parliament, and joined Sir Anthony Kingston, 
^ and other members of the western part of the kingdom, in 
^ opposition to some of the measures of government, and sup- 
^ ported an able argument against a bill for the confiscation 
c of the estates of persons who had left the country for the 
^ sake of religion, which had passed the Lords, but was re- 
^ jected by the Commons. For this, and a conversation which 
^ afterwai'ds passed amongst some of the leaders of opposition 
\ at his dinner-table, he was sent for by the Lord Paget and 
I Sir William Petre, two of the Queen's Council: but, though 

< some of his companions were committed to prison on that 
> occasion, he, by the wariness of his conduct, escaped. After 
s this, we find him on the 1st of January following (1555-6) 
^ presenting a new-year's gift of £10. in gold to the Queen — 
^ but not in Parliament or any other public employment during 
^ the remainder of her reign ; though, if we may believe one 
i who lived in his house the last twenty-five years of his Hfe, 
^ he had still the Queen's favor in opposition to the endeavours 
I of his enemies, who thought to bring him into jeopardy by 

< urging that he was in the service of, and kept up a private 
«^ correspondence with, the Princess Elizabeth. 



92 



On the accession of Elizabeth, he received her acknow- 
ledgments of the advantages she had derived fi'om his services, 
and was in the same year (1558) restored to the office of 
Secretary and to a seat in the Privy Council; and was 
elected to represent the county of Lincoln in the Pai-liament 
which commenced in January following, and had a consider- 
able share in promoting those regulations in matters of 
religion which were estabhshed in that Parliament, and are 
the legal basis of the Church of England. He was also an 
active promoter of the reform in the coinage of the kingdom, 
which had been considerably debased in the reigns of Henry 
the 8th and Edwai'd the 6th, to the great injury of the 
public. In the months of June and July, in the 2nd of 
Elizabeth (1560), he was sent with Sir William Cordell, 
Master of the Rolls, and Dr. Wootton, Dean of Canterbuiy, 
into Scotland to negociate a termination of the contentions 
then subsisting between the Queen of Scots (supported by 
the French) and some of her powerful subjects, touching 
the change of religion in that country and other affairs, and 
brought the embassy to a conclusion highly favorable to the 
interests of Queen Elizabeth. 

On the 10th of January, 1561-2, he was appointed to suc- 
ceed Sir Thomas Peny in the office of Master of the Court 
of Wards : in which office, by a line of practice verj^ different 
from that of his predecessors, he drew upon himself many 
clamors and comjDlaints, but maintained the changes he had 
effected with firmness and resolution. And when anxiety 
for the succession of the crown led some persons who were 
active in Parliament to press the mai'riage of the Queen, and 
others to recommend a provisional settlement in case she 
should fail of issue, her cautious forbearance to come to any 
conclusion on the subject was well supported by the Secre- 
tary, who endeavoured to steer clear of offending either 
party, without encoui-aging the measures which either of 
them pursued. 

The Secretary very eai'ly discovered the unfriendly designs 
of King PhiUp the 2nd of Spain towards the government of 



93 



his mistress, yet iu the means he piirsued to counteract the ] 

purposes of the former, for some time studiously avoided any I 

thing which might lead to an open rupture. Tliis caution ^ 

brought upon him the censure of yielding to timidity ; hut ] 

he was soon afterwards as severely censured for rashness, > 

in advising the Queen to give assistance to the French Pro- s 

testants; and the Earl of Leicester, the Queen's greatest I 

favorite at that time (apart fi'om the affau's of state^, became I 

his decided enemy, and waited not long for an opportunity of ^ 

discovering himself. Some Spanish ships laden with consi- I 

derable treasure had put into an English port, to avoid being > 

taken by the French, and were assisted in landing their > 

treasure by the Queen's officers. The Spanish Ambassador I 

declared the money found in them to be his master's, in- ^ 

tended for the pay of his army in the Netherlands ; but the ^ 

Secretary was advised that the Ambassador deceived him, I 

for that the whole treasure was the property of certain > 

Genoese bankers, who were apprehensive of its being seized I 

by the Duke of Alva, and converted to the use of the King ] 

of Spain, for the execution of some secret design ; and he ] 

therefore advised the Queen to keep the money and give the ? 

Geonese security for it ; by which her own affairs would be ^ 

improved, the Spaniards distressed, and the Netherlands ■■ 

relieved. s 

The Spanish Ambassador became violent, quarrelled with I 

the Secretaiy at the Council table, and appealed to the peo- ^ 

pie of England against the administration of their Sovereign. ^ 

In this state of public affairs the Secretaiy was loudly cen- > 

sured as the author of those councils which were likely to \ 

involve the nation in an expensive and ruinous war; he s 

was also accused of being the author of an abusive libel on I 

the nobility; and the Earl of Leicester, Sir Nicholas Throck- ^ 

morton, and others, formed a design, as it is said, of having i^ 

him seized at the Council table, in the absence of the s" 

Queen, and sent to prison on a charge of having written the I 

libel ; in the hope that in such a situation, persons who had ^ 

conceived themselves injured by his conduct would not be > 



94 



wanting to bring complaints against liim, when under a 
cloud, sufficient to complete liis ruin. A copy of the libel 
had certainly been found in his possession ; but he either 
felt or affected as much detestation of the Author of it as 
those who had made its pubhcation the subject of his accu- 
sation ; and he had fortunately written strictures upon it as 
severe as those of his accusers. He parried the charge, 
however, in council ; and the Queen entering, in the midst 
of the discussion, put an end to the deUberations and de- 
feated the design of the discontented members. The Duke 
of Norfolk is said to have been one of the faction formed to 
procure the Secretaiy s overthrow, but his own execution 
soon followed; and the Secretary is stigmatised, some say un- 
justly, with being the author of the Duke's unfortunate end. 

It was about this time (1569) that the Eaii of Westmor- 
land rose in rebellion in the north of England ; and much 
of the merit of supj)ressing that insurrection is ascribed to 
the Secretary's wisdom in council, and to the force and 
ingenuity with which, in his wiitings, he described the folly 
and imbecility of the insurgents, and the danger awaiting 
those who should give them countenance. It must not, 
however, be supposed that this was a mere contest of words, 
for the ravages committed on this occasion, both in the north 
of England and Scotland, upon the estates of persons sus- 
pected of having encoui'aged the insurgents, were terrible 
indeed, and were followed in England by a di*eadful tempest, 
sufficient to silence the exultations of victory. On the 25th 
February, in the 13th year of Queen Elizabeth (1570-1 ), 
Su- William Cecil was created Baron of Burghley. 

Barney and Mather having at their execution implicated 
the Spanish Ambassador in their design, the latter was 
ordered to leave the country ; and the Queen gave further 
proofs of the estimation in which she held the Lord Burgh- 
ley's services, by nominating him in June, 1572, a Knight 
of the Garter, and appointing him, on the 15th September 
following (anno 14 Eliz.), to the office of Lord High Trea- 
surer of England, which had been vacant from the death of 



95 \ 



tlie Marquis of Wincliester, in March preceding. Tlie Lord 
Treasurer liad many fatiguing duties to perform, as well in 
tlie discharge of that office, as from being Chancellor of the 
University of Cambridge ; his attendance in the Exchequer, 
Star Chamber, Privy Council, and Court of Wards, besides 
his business in the House of Peers in the time of the sitting 
of parliament ; and was an astonishing example of diligence. 
His official duties are said to have been made far more 
harassing to him by the mischievous attempts of Popish 
and Spanish emissaries, Jesuits, and others, whose purposes 
were thwarted by his administration ; and who, sticking at 
nothing to further their designs, were no sooner defeated in 
one scheme than they readily invented another : so that if 
we may credit report, he was at one time much inclined to 
relinquish his office, would the Queen have accepted his 
resignation. That the Papists, who were the objects of 
proscription in the reign of Elizabeth, and who suffered 
under the exercise of the rod of oppression which they had 
before so fi'eely used upon the Protestants, should be inimi- 
cal to an administration which had produced many penal 
laws to diminish their influence and embitter their existence 
in society, cannot be a subject of wonder; and if we give to 
Cecil the credit of being a principal instrument in the esta- 
blishment of the refoi-med rehgion in England ; he must take 
it with the deduction of having been the author of many of 
those laws which have led to religious persecution. Those 
who admit that the trial, condemnation, and execution of 
Mary Queen of Scots, were measures strongly promoted, if 
not originally proposed by the Lord Burghley, and who seem 
to consider them as circumstances favourable to his charac- 
ter, have conceded more to the enemies of his fame than 
can be counterbalanced by all the flattery which they have 
paid to his good qualities as a man, or to his penetration as 
a statesman ; for the trial, condemnation, and execution of 
that unfortunate Princess, form a blot on the chai'acter of 
English justice, which neither the indiscretions nor the 
misconduct of the victim, nor the apprehensions of a 



I trembling tlirone, can wipe away. Babington, in endea- 
i vouring to promote tlie escape of the captive Queen, 

< might be a traitor to his own Sovereign and deserve the 
\ ignominious death which he received; but Mary owed 
^ no allegiance to Elizabeth — she had taken shelter in 
^ this country in the hour of misfortune — and the laws of 
\ hospitality, which it should be the pride of nations to main- 
l tain, were flagrantly violated in the treatment which she 
c received, independently of her execution. Whether the 
( Treasurer in promoting these proceedings was furthering 

< the wishes of Elizabeth, or whether Elizabeth was serious 
I in the prosecution of Secretary Davison, and forbidding the 
\ Treasurer to appear in her presence, after the execution of 
^ the Queen of Scots, is not material in the estimate of the 

< Treasurer's conduct on this occasion. 

^ In 1576, he founded the grammar-school at Alford, in 
j Lincolnshire. In the beginning of the year 1588, we find 
[ the Treasurer in affliction for the death of his mother, a 

< venerable matron who had lived to see her children's children 
\ in prosperity to the foui'th and fifth generation; and the 
\ Queen, after consoling him upon his loss, advises him to 
( seek relief from his melancholy, not by shutting himself up 
\ from society, but by a more earnest attention to public busi- 
^ ness. The same year is memorable for the abortive attempt 
^ of the Spaniards by their boasted " Invincible Ai-mada" to 
\ efi*ect the conquest of England : and whilst immortal honor 

is paid to the memory of those heroes whose valor on the 
ocean rescued their country from the designs of the enemy; 
! the statesman whose wisdom planned the expedition by 
I which a revengeful and ferocious purpose was brought to 
confusion and shame, deserves to be gratefully remembered. 
In the year following, the Treasurer had to sustain another 
severe affliction in the loss of his second wife, with whom 
he had lived in the greatest harmony for three and forty 
years, and who was one of the most eminent women of her 
time for learning, charity, piety, and prudence. The death 
of this lady afi'ected him so much as to make a great altera- 



97 



tion in his temper, which sunk into melancholy, so that ] 

about two years afterwards he became again earnest with the | 

Queen for leave to resign his office, and to spend the re- > 

mainder of his days in retirement : but she, being unwilling I 

to lose the benefit of his services, granted all possible indul- > 

gence to his infirmities, and again diverted him fi'om his ^ 

purpose. After this he applied himself with unceasing dili- I 

gence to the management of public afi'airs, as well in the I 

Treasury as in the Council and in Parliament; until borne > 

down with age and infirmities. One of his speeches delivered > 

in the House of Peers in the year 1592 is preserved; in \ 

which, with a view to obtaining a supply for the exigencies > 

of the state, he makes an able statement of the situation of > 

public affairs, to excite the country to a vigorous resistance > 

of the designs of Spain : and this had the desired effect so > 

completely, that, in the year 1593, supplies were raised > 

sufficiently for four yesu's' service. Towards the conclusion I 

of his life, he earnestly endeavoured to bring about a peace I 

with that country, in which he was opposed by the Eaii of I 

Essex, who, on a discussion of the subject, contended that I 

peace was impracticable with a nation so rooted by religious j 

bigotry in its hatred to the English : the Treasurer took out > 

a Prayer-book from his pocket and refeiTed to this passage : — i 

" Men of blood shall not live half their days." This stroke I 

of severity, which has been taken for proof of the Treasurer's ^ 

courage and integrity, has more of the peevishness of age / 

and sickness than of the address for which he was distin- ^ 

guished : the Earl of Essex was at times moody and intem- ^ 

perate, but he was too brave and generous to be sanguinary. \ 

That this great man sometimes differed in opinion with ^ 

the Queen, will be seen by the following letter. ^ 

This letter is given as a specimen of his Lordship's letter- j 

writing: the subject is on account of some difference of ^ 

opinion between his Lordship and Queen Elizabeth. C 

" To my loving Son Sfr Robert Cecill, Knight.^* \ 

" I do hold, and will always, this Courss in such Mat- > 

ters as I differ in Opinion from hir Majestic — as long- as I may be I 



98 



allowed to gyve Advice, I will not chang my Opinion by affirmyng 
the contrary'. For that wer, to offend God, to whom I am sworn 
first. But as a Servant, I will obey hir Majestie's Commandment, 
and no wise contrary the same. Presuming' that, she being God's 
Cheff Minister lieer, it shall be God's will to have her Commandments 
obeyed ; After that, I have performed my Duty as a Counsellor, & 
shall, in my Hart, wish hir Commandments to have such good Suc- 
cesses, as, I am sure, she intendeth. 

*' Yow se I am in a Mixture of Divinitie and Policye. Preferryng, 
in Policye hir Majestie afore all others on the Erth ; & in Dy^Tiiite, 
the Kjng of Heaven above all betmxt Alpha ^ Omega. 

" Theis my Cogitations yow may use to your own Good ; Besechyng 
God to bless yow. This Satyrday, 13 March, 1595. 

*' Your loving Father, 

" W. BURGHLEY." 

The last political work of the Treasurer was a treaty be- 
tween the Queen and the States of the Netherlands, by which 
the nation was eased of an annual burthen of £120,000. 

In 1597 he founded " Lord Burghley's Hospital" in Saint 
Martin's. He died at his house in the Strand, near Temple 
Bar, London, surrounded by his children, friends, and ser- 
vants, on the 4th of August,. 1598, about four o'clock in the 
morning, in his 78th year; whence his body was conveyed 
to the Church of Saint Martin's, Stamford Baron, in Nor- 
thamptonshire, where it was inclosed in a stone coffin, and 
deposited in the vault of the family on the 29th of August, 
1598. The same day a solemn funeral was performed for 
him at Westminster. 

The Treasurer was a person of vigorous understanding, 
quick perception, and deep penetration. His attention to 
the affairs of his country was unwearied ; and the pains he 
took to advance the influence of his Mistress amongst sur- 
rounding Potentates, and on the scale of political conse- 
quence, were eminently successful. Those things which 
have been noticed as making least to the advantage of his 
reputation would find abundance of examples in earlier times, 
and countenance enough in the conduct of statesmen of 
subsequent ages. In the performance of public offices of 



99 



religion lie appears to have been very exact : he was a tender ] 

and affectionate husband, a kind and provident father, a > 

hospitable housekeeper, and a generous landlord. In his I 

person he was about the middle stature, straight and well > 

proportioned. His countenance, in the incture of him pre- > 

served at Burghley, is cold and cautious; his complexion fair. > 

Cecil, Thomas, second Baron of Burghley and first Earl I 

of Exeter, was born on the 5th of May, 1542, and served in ] 

Parliament for the Borough of Stamford from 1563 to 1576. ] 

In 1574 he served as a volunteer in the expedition into ] 

Scotland for the support of the Earl of Murray, the Eegent ' 

of that country, when the Castle of Edinburgh was beseiged } 

and taken. In 1575 he was Knighted at Kenilworth Castle, < 

when the Queen was entertained there by the Earl of Lei- I 

cester. In 1581 he was one of the gallants who entertained > 

Francis of Valois, brother to the then King of France and j 

suitor to Queen Elizabeth, at justs, barriers, tournies, and I 

other chivalrous amusements. He also gained distinction I 

by his services in the wars of the Low Countries ; and was, ] 

on the 9th of November, 1585, appointed Governor of the I 

BriUe, upon its being pledged to Queen Elizabeth by the > 

States of Holland. In the same year he was elected one of > 

the Representatives in Parliament for the county of Lincoln, ] 

and again in 1586. In 1588, he and his brother Robert ^ 

served in the English fleet at the defeat of the Spanish > 

Armada; in 1592 he was elected Representative in Par- I 

Uament for the county of Northampton; and in 3 596 again ] 

for the county of Lincoln. At the funeral of his father, the I 

Lord Treasurer, in 1598, he was the chief mourner, in the > 

quality of an Earl, by the Queen's authority; and in the l 

year following he was constituted Warden of the Forest, and ^ 

Constable of the Castle of Rockingham for life. In 1600 he ^ 

was one of the persons who were sent to take the Earl of > 

Essex in the city of London. He was elected a Knight I 

of the Gai-ter and installed at Windsor on the 26th of May, > 

1601. On the 10th of May, 1603, soon after the accession > 

of James the 1st, he was sworn one of the Privy Council, \ 



LofC. 



100 



and appointed Lord Lieutenant of the county of Northampton. 
Early in the next year (January, 1603-4), he appears to 
have had an offer of an Earldom, but declined the honor. 
In the following letter, from Peck's '^Desiderata Curiosa" — 
*'Sir John Hiihhert.'* 

" 1. — Yor Letters fowTid me in such Estate, as rather I desyred 
thre Dayes Ease of Payne, then to delyght to thynke of anny Tytle 
of Honnour. 

•' 2. — I am resoh^^d to contente my selfe vn-th this Estate I have 
of a Baron, And my present Estate of Lyvyng-, howsoever those of 
the World hath enlarg-yd it, I fynde lyttel inough to mejTitane the 
Degree I am in. And I am sure they that succede me "wyl be less 
hable to me5-nteJ^le it then I am, consyderyng ther wyll goo owt of 
the Baronage thre yonger Broothers Lyvyngts. 

" 3. — This is all I can -wryte unto yow at this Tyme, being full of 
Payne ; & therefore yow must be content wyth this my brefe Wry- 
tyng. And I give yov/ my very hartie Thankes for yor good Wyshes, 
& thjiik my selfe beholdyng to those my Frendes that had Care of 
me therin. And so I rest — 

*' Yor assurid Frend, 

*'THO. BUEGHLEY." 

"Burghley, this I2th of January, 1603. 

'• I have delyv'eryd to yor Footem^an tenne Shyllyngs for his Charges." 

it is doubtful, however, whether he was sincere — and certain 
that he was not steady, in his refusal ; for, on the 4th of 
May, 1605, he was created Earl of Exeter. On the 80th 
of May, 1610, he was one of the witnesses to the patent 
of creation of Henry Prince of Wales; and in 1616 he 
was one of the Privy Counsellors who were commissioned 
to treat with the Ambassador from the States General 
for the delivering up, to the States, of the town of Flush- 
ing, with the castle of Ramakins in Zealand, and the town 
of Brille in Holland. In 1618 he was one of the Com- 
missioners for banishing Jesuits and other Romish Priests ; 
and in 1620 one of the Commissioners for punishing 
heresies in matters of religion in the provinces of Canterbury 
and York. He died on the 7th of February, 1621-2, and 
was buried in the Chapel of Saint John the Baptist, in 



101 



Westminster Abbey. Butcher, in liis " Survey of Stanford," > 

speaking of this Earl, says — " he was a riglit pious and > 

charitable man." > 

Cecil, William, second Earl of Exeter and third Baron of > 

Burghley, born in 1566, was elected to represent the Bo- I 

rough of Stamford in Parliament in 1585-88. He was one \ 

of the Pri\'y Council to King Charles the 1st, and installed ^ 

a Knight of the Garter on the 5th of October, 1630 : he died > 

in 1640, and was buried on the 8th of July in that year, in ^ 

the Chapel of Saint John the Baptist, Westminster Abbey. \ 

Leaving no male issue, his daughters conveyed considerable ] 

estates into the families with which they intermarried, and > 

amongst others th& Manor of Stamford passed with Anne, \ 

the youngest daughter, to Henry Baron Grey; who, on his \ 

elevation to an Earldom, took his title from that place; but ] 

the Earldom of Exeter and Barony of Burghley devolved \ 

upon the issue of — > 

Cecil, Sir Eichai'd, of Wakerley, in Northamptonshire, \ 

Knight, second son of Thomas first Earl of Exeter; which ' 

Sir Richard was Representative in Parliament for the city of \ 

Westminster in 1593 ; for the city of Peterborough in 1598; > 

and for the Borough of Stamford in 1615-21. He was \ 

Knighted by King James at Woodstock, in Oxfordshire, on \ 

the 28th of August, 1616. He died in 1633, and was buried | 

at Wakerley, in Northamptonshire. > 

Cecil, David, son and heir of Sii* Richard, served in Par- \ 

liament for the city of Peterborough in 1649 : he became, on \ 

the death of his uncle William Earl of Exeter in 1640, heir ^ 

male of the body of William first Baron of Burghley, and of > 

the body of Thomas first Earl of Exeter, and, as such, third ] 

Earl of Exeter and fourth Baron of Burghley: he was ap- \ 

pointed Lord Lieutenant of the county of Rutland by the \ 

House of Commons on the 11th of February, 1641-2. He \ 

died on the 18th of April, 1643, and was buried in Saint i 

Martin's Church, Stamford Baron. > 

Cecil, John, fourth Earl of Exeter and fifth Baron of ^ 

Burghley, son and heir of David, born about 1628, succeeded I 



102 



his father in his honors and estates. He was appointed 
Lord Lieutenant of the county of Northampton on the 17th 
of July, 1662; and, dying on the 1st of February, 1677-8, 
was buried with his ancestors in the church of Saint Martin. 

Cecil, John, fifth Earl of Exeter and sixth Baron of Burgh- 
ley, son and heir of John, was a Nobleman of great taste and 
accomplishments, and a liberal encourager of the arts; and he 
spent much time in travel to those parts of Europe where 
polished and elegant manners were most prevalent. After 
the revolution in 1688-9, being unwilling to take the oaths 
prescribed by Parliament, he passed his time partly in retire- 
ment at Burghley and partly in foreign countries, until his 
death, which happened at Issy, near Paris, on the 29th of 
August, 1700. His body was conveyed to the church of 
Saint Martin. The carvings at Burghley, which were execu- 
ted at the expence of this Eail, by Gibbon, form one of the 
best collections, and contain some of the most beautiful speci- 
mens of the labors of that distinguished master in his art. 

Cecil, John, sixth Earl of Exeter and seventh Baron of 
Burghley, eldest son of John, was, whilst a commoner, 
Representative in Parliament for Rutland in the years 1695 
and 1698. He took his seat in the House of Peers on the 
28th of March, 1701, and being appointed Lord Lieutenant 
of the county of Rutland, took the oaths of office on the 11th 
of December, 1712. This Lord died on the 24th of Decem- 
ber, 1721, and was buried with his ancestors at the church 
of Saint Martin's. 

Cecil, John, seventh Earl of Exeter, &c., eldest son and 
heir of John, succeeded his father, but died unmanied on 
the 9th of April, 1722, and was buried at Saint Martin's : 
the titles and estate devolved upon his brother — 

Cecil, Brownlow, eighth Earl of Exeter and ninth Baron 
of Burghley, who had the same year been elected to represent 
the Borough of Stamford in ParUament, died on the 3rd of 
November, 1754, and was buried at Saint Martin's. 

Cecil, Brownlow, ninth Earl of Exeter and tenth Baron 
of Burghley, eldest son of Brownlow, succeeded his father. 



103 



He was elected in 1747 to represent both the borough of > 

Stamford and county of Rutland in Parliament, and made \ 

his election for the latter. On June 22nd, 1752, he was > 

sworn into the of&ce of Lord Lieutenant of the county of > 

Eutland, and in 1754 he was re-chosen its Representative I 

in Parliament. He resigned the Lieutenancy of this county > 

in favour of the Earl of Winchilsea some time before his > 

death ; and died unmarried on the 26th of December, 1793: > 

he was buried at Saint Martin's. ] 

Cecil, Henry, tenth Earl of Exeter and eleventh Baron of > 

Burghley, who was only son and heir of the Honorable > 

Thomas Chambers Cecil, and nephew and heir of Brownlow > 

Earl of Exeter, succeeded, and was, on the 4th of February, I 

created Marquis of Exeter; and died on the 1st of May, > 

1804 : he was buried at Saint Martin's with his ancestors, and > 

was succeeded in his titles and estates by his eldest son — > 

Cecil, Brownlow, second Marquis and eleventh Earl of l 

Exeter, and twelfth Baron of Burghley, in the Peerage of ] 

the United Kingdom, Knight of the Garter, Pri^y Councillor, ] 

Hereditaiy Grand Almoner, Lord Lieutenant of the counties ! 

of Northampton and Eutland. He was born July 2nd, 1795, > 

and on the death of his father succeeded to the title and > 

estates. May 1st, 1804. On the 12th of May, 1824, he > 

married Isabella daughter of Stephen Poyntz, Esq., of Cow- \ 

dray House, Sussex, who was born February 6th, 1803, and ] 

by whom his Lordship has had 11 childi-en. — See Pedigree, > 

His Lordship may be said to have been more in the Eoyal > 

favor than any of his predecessors since Thomas the second I 

Earl. Since his majority he has been visited by the Queens I 

Victoria and Adelaide ; their Eoyal Highnesses Prince Al- ^ 

bert, the Duke and Prince George of Cambridge; the Dukes { 

of Wellington, Eutland, Sir Eobert Peel, and the principal S 

aristocracy of the land. — See Elections and Corporation. I 

Cecil, William Jlleyne, Lord Burghley, eldest son of the \ 

present Mai*quis of Exeter, was born in Connaught Place, > 

London, April 30, 1825. His tutor, previous to going to \ 

College, was the Eev. W. H. Charlton, Eector of Saint \ 



I 104 



George's, Stamford. Lord Biirgliley is now Colonel of the 
Northamptonshire Militia, and resides at Saint John's Col- 
lege, Cambridge. His Lordship having attained his Majority 
on Thursday, April 30th, 184G, was an occasion ever to be 
remembered in Stamford ; as, on that day, all the tenantry 
renting to the amount of Ten Pounds per annum were re- 
galed in a splendid mai-quee erected on the lawn at Burghley: 
about 700 persons dined; the Marquis of Exeter being 
chairman, and Lord Thomas Cecil, his brother, vice-chair- 
man. The company included the Mayor of Stamford and 
most of the Clergy and Gentry of the neighbourhood. 

Lord Burghley broached the immense barrel of ale, holding 
1122 gallons, the brewing of which was made in the year he 
was born, and kept until he attained his majority. 

The smaller tenants and poor were not forgotten, as provi- 
sions and money were distributed as follows : — To every man 
being a tenant, l§lb. of bread, l§lb. of beef, and a quart of 
ale ; to every female tenant and tenant's wife, the same ; 
to every tenant's child 10 years old, lib. of bread and 
beef and a pint of ale ; and to every tenant's child under 
10, the same quantity of bread and beef and half a pint of 
ale. In this manner GoOOlbs. of beef and the same quantity 
of bread were distributed, and 3500 gallons of strong ale. — 
For the money gratuities in Stamford, which were given 
away at the Town-hall under the superintendence of the 
clergymen, churchwardens, and overseers of each parish, 
there were 2500 applicants : every single man who applied 
received Is. ; every single woman. Is. ; a man and his wife, 
Is. 6d. ; a man and his wife and three childi*en, 2s. ; and a 
man and his wife with more than three children, 2s. 6d. — 
Similar gratuities were distributed in every parish in which 
the Marquis of Exeter possessed property. 

On Thiu'sday evening, a balloon ascended from the Gas- 
works, Mr. Green, the aeronaut, being accompanied by Mr. 
Jones, the gas engineer : it took a south-easterly direction, 
and passed neai'ly over Burghley House. This was I\Ir. 
Green's 319th ascent. The balloon passed over Peterboro', 



CEC 105 J 

and descended safely at Oxney, three miles west of that city, \ 

in about half an hour. I 

Afterwards, a ball took place at the Assembly-rooms, at ? 

which the Mai-quis of Exeter, Lord Burghley, and several > 

other persons of distinction, were present. > 

On Friday, all the children of the schools supported by the l 

Marchioness in Saint Martin's, Barnack, &c., dined inthepavi- ^ 

lion; after which Lord Burghley gave gown-pieces, waistcoats, ^ 

and other prizes, for jumping in sacks, swarming greased > 

poles, racing, &c. These sports were also carried on till I 

dai'k during the evenings of Friday and Saturday in the ] 

George close (kindly lent by Mr. H. Whincup) : here the > 

pony-racing was the chief attraction ; and all the amuse- I 

ments were well managed by Mr. W. Richardson, who acted \ 

as steward, and Mr. T. Standwell, as clerk of the course. I 

Fireworks were let off each evening in the town. ^ 

On Monday, the Marquis of Exeter added still further to i 

the liberality which had marked the event, by distributing > 

gTatuities to the servants, artisans, and labourers connected > 

with the domain. To each servant in the house he made a I 

present of 11. for every year's servitude ; to each artisan, 10s. ; > 

and to each laborer, 7s. for the like period. In this manner ^ 

a large sum was expended, several of the females receiving | 

from 15Z. to 20Z., and some of the labourers nearly as much. \ 

As Lord Burghley has hitherto been only little known in I 

public, his speech at the banquet on this occasion may I 

prove interesting, and perhaps be considered as an earnest of > 
his future life. After Lord Burghley's health had been drank 
with nine times nine, he said— - 

" In rising to address you on such an occasion as this, it 
is difficult to find words in which to express my gratitude 
for the honour you have done me in so cordially welcoming 
my name. It is with no ordinary feelings of pleasure I meet 
you ; and who could, when it is for the first time I meet an 
audience like this, — who could doubt the sincerity of my 
feelings, when I reiterate the difficulty of the position in 
which your kind regards have placed me ? (Cheers.) I trust 



106 



that on the next occasion on which I shall have the pleasure 
of seeing you, I shall in some degree prove more competent 
to declare my sentiments, and shall be found desei-ving of 
the feelings of friendship you have manifested towards me. 
(Applause.) The time may come when it shall please Provi- 
dence to place me in a more responsible position than that 
which I at present occupy, though I trust that that period 
is very, veiy far distant (loud cheers) ; but when, in the 
€ourse of nature, which no human will can control, that 
event may happen, I hope to follow my venerated father's 
example ; and if I do that, I believe very few will take ex- 
ception to my conduct. (Eeiterated applause.) But what- 
ever my position, I shall do my best to live for our mutual 
satisfaction and welfare." (The young Lord concluded his 
remai'ks amid a perfect storm of cheers.^ 

Chapels. — There were formerly two chapels in Gannock- 
street (All Saints'-street), called Saint Bennet and Saint 
Mary. The present chapels are the Eoman Catholic, Wes- 
leyan or Barn-hill ; Independent or Star-lane : Calvinist or 
North-street; General Baptist or Bath-row. Particulai'S of 
each will be found under their several heads, 

Chaplin (Colonel Thomas) — son of Charles Chaplin, Esq., 
formerly M.P. for Lincolnshire, born 1794; manied in 1828 
Millicent Mary daughter of the late William Reeve, Esq., of 
Leadenham, Lincolnshire. A Lieutenant Colonel in the 
Guards. He served in Spain, the Netherlands, and France ; 
was severely wounded at Saint Sebastian on the 31st of 
August, 1813, for which he receives a pension. Sat for this 
Borough in the Parhaments of 1826 and 1830; was ousted 
in a contest by Mr. Tennyson (now Member for Lambeth,) 
in 1831 : he regained his seat in 1832, but resigned in 1838 
and went to Canada with his regiment. It need only be 
added that the gallant colonel is universally beloved. 

Chapters {General) — called ^^ Itinera minorum" held here 
1293, 1309, 1311. Again in 1392, another called " Consil- 
ium Stanfordiensem Prelatorum," when Richard II was 



107 



\ present at the command of Pope Boniface X, about the sup- 

l pression of Wickliffe's opinions. 

\ Charles I. — This Monarch, in 1632, slept in Saint 

\ Martin's one night as he passed into Scotland to receive the 

S crown of that kingdom. The following day the corporation 

\ of Stamford escorted him through the town in procession, 

s John Atton, the Alderman, bearing the mace before him on 

\ horseback, attended by the whole coi-porate body in their 

{ robes of office, and riding upon their foot-cloths. In 1634, 

^ he again passed through Stamford accompanied by his 

< Queen: after spending two days at the Earl of Westmor- 
\ land's, at Apethoi-pe, the procession was the same as on the 
\ previous occasion. In 1642, Charles again came here, and 

> issued a Proclamation against the Papists : he thence pro- 
l ceeded to York. 

'> On the 3rd of May, 1646, Charles (having escaped from 

) the Parliamentary army at Oxford in the disguise of a 
servant,) reached Stamford in company with Dr. Michael 
Hudson, Rector of Uffington, and Mr. Ashburnham. After 

\ a circuitous route they entered Mr. Aldeiman Wolph's 

\ castellated gate on the back of Barn-hill. 

\ " By this gate (says Dr. Stukeley) the King and his two 

\ companions entered on the night of Sunday the 3rd of May. 

I By this means they avoided the bridge and town. Here the 

\ King rested that night : he lay in that chamber over the 

> haU, then the best chamber : having one window looking 

> towards the garden, another into the street. As the great 
\ parlour and chamber over it was not then built, the passage 
j lay open into the room. His most faithful guardian. Dr. 
\ Hudson, lay in the little chamber next it, with a stucco floor, 
\ a closet opening into the bed-chamber; but then opening 
\ into the passage. He staid there all Monday, and about 

> 10 or 11 o'clock on Monday night, the King, Dr. Hudson, 
\ and Mr. Ashburnham, set out through Mr. Wolph's back 
\ gate for Southwell. They went by the Sustern road, as most 
) private ; so through Stennet, an old Eoman way^ by Allington. 

< Then they passed over the Suite and Trent by Gotham, and 



108 



came to Southwell early in the morning, to the French Am- 
bassador's lodgings at the King's Arms Inn." 

The King was afterwards most treacherously betrayed by 
the Scotch commissioners, to whom he entrusted himself, 
and by whom he was sold to the parliament for £400,000. 
Dr. Stukeley concludes with these words : — " 'Tis out of my 
purpose to pursue these particulars. The last night he may 
be said to have slept a freeman, was at Stamford." — See 
Hudson and Wolph. 

Charters and Grants. In 1256, Henry III granted a 
Charter of Liberties to the Burgesses of Stamford, \dz : — 
Firstly, to be free from the payment of tolls. Secondly, to 
receive tolls. Thirdly, their goods not to be aiTested, &c. 

Edward I or Edward II granted the town to William de 
Humez, with return of writs (infangenthef) ha\ing the pri- 
\dlege of judging thieves taken within his fee or manor, and 
(oiitfangenthef) of judging thieves resident within his fee, 
for offences committed out of it; and held it acquitted of 
(tonnage) duties to the crown on merchandizes imported 
and exported ; (passage) duties for passing water : (murage) 
duties due from passengers for repairing the walls of the 
town through which they pass ; (pontage) bridge toll ; and 
(pavage) the repair of streets and highways ; and answered 
to the King by twelve men of the town in inquests and 
(eyre) assizes. But William having fled into Holland, he 
lost the charter which he took with him ; the franchises 
were seized by the King (John) : wherefore the commons 
of Stamford prayed the King in Paiiiament to graot relief. 

Edward III confirmed to the Burgesses the privileges 
which had been gi-anted to them by John Eail Wai'ren, 
Lord of Stamford, 1331. 

Henry IV granted like privileges in 1401. 

Edward IV, in 1461, incorporated the town by the title of 
" The Alderman and Burgesses of Stamford;" the town was 
made free from the jurisdiction of the sheriff, and from being 
summoned on inquests in the county; to have the return of 
all writs ; and made fi'ee from all lords lieutenant in respect 



109 



of the militias for the said town; the said deed making the 
Alderman the King's immediate lieutenant within the town, 
and rendering the Aldennan within the same the second 
man in the kingdom; also granting for his greater honor 
and dignity the privilege of having gold or silver maces 
carried before him, and to use a common seal. This charter 
also said that the Alderman and Burgesses and Freemen 
should be exempt from the payment of tolls throughout 
England. 
\ Charles II, in 1663, called in all previous charters, and 
s issued a new one ; in which he dignified the chief magistrate 

< by the title of Mayor, and renewed all former privileges. 

< James II, in 1685, by another grant confirmed the above. 

> William IV, in 1836, granted the Borough an independent 
\ court of Quarter Sessions ; this privilege having been taken 
] away by the passing of the Municipal Eeform x\ct. — See 
\ Corporation. 

I Churches. — There were 13 churches in Stamford, viz : — 
I Saint Mary's, Saint John's, Saint Clement's, All Saints', 
I Saint Peter's, Saint Mary Benniwerk, Chapel of Breadcroft, 
\ Saint Paul's, Saint Andrew's, Holy Trinity, Saint George's, 
\ Saint Stephen's, and All Saints' in Saint Martin's. — See the 

< titles of the churches. By an Act of the Fu'st year of Edward 
? VI, the Ordinary, Alderman, and two more Justices were 

> empowered to lessen the number, which they did by consoli- 
^ dating Saint John's with Saint Clement's; All Saints' with 
\ Saint Peter's; Saint Michael's with Saint Andrew's; Saint 
I George's with Saint Paul's, Holy Trinity, and St. Stephen's. 
\ Churches interdicted by the Pope, 1207. 

I Churches Taxed, 1106. 

\ Clare, John. — This Northamptonshire poet was born at 
\ Helpstone, near Peterborough, July 13th, 1793, He was 
^ the son of Parker Clare, a very poor fanner's labourer, and 
] afterwai-ds a pauper. By extra work as a plough-boy, and 

> by helping his father morning and evening at thrashing, he 
I earned the money which paid for his little education. When 
N he was able to read tolerably weU he borrowed " Eobinson 



f 110 



Crusoe," in the perusal of which he greatly increased his i 

stock of knowledge and desu*e for reading. He was thirteen l 

when a companion lent him "Thomson's Seasons:" this I 

book called forth the passion of his soul for poetry, and he \ 

resolved to possess the work himself; and as soon as he > 

had saved a shilling to buy it with, he set off to Stamford \ 

at so early an hour that none of the booksellers' shops were I 

open when he got there. A Mr. John Turnill, of Helpstone, ^ 

(afterwards in the excise,) gratuitously taught him writing p 

and arithmetic. Most of his poems were written in the ^ 

fields, or by the road-side, his hat serving for the desk. < 

Clare was neaiiy a year in the employ of Mr. Wilders, of } 

Casterton Magna, where he wrote a sonnet on the river \ 

Guash. In December, 1818, Mr. E. B. Druiy, bookseller, ^ 

of Stamford, accidentally met with the " Sonnet to the Setting > 

Sun," wi'itten on a piece of paper in which a letter had been I 

wrapped up, and signed J. C. Having ascertained the name > 

and residence of the writer, he went to Helpstone, where he s 

saw some other poems with which he was much pleased. < 

At his request, Clai'e made a collection of the jneces he had > 

written, and added some others to them. Mr. Drury pub- J 

lished the first volume in 1820. The second was published > 

in 1827, and the third in 1835 ; from the preface to which I 

it appeal's that Clare left the cottage of his birth to reside at I 

Northboro' in 1832, and that he had a long and severe illness ^ 

which almost took from him every means of subsistence ^ 

previously to the publication of this last volume. Clare has i 

been for some time in Northampton Asylum. ^ 

Clergy (married), excommunicated 1102. ^ 

Clerk (Sir George), born 1787 ; married August, 1810, \ 

Maria second daughter of Ewan Law, Esq., (by Sarah ^ 

eldest daughter of the late Eight Rev. William Mai'kham, > 

Archbishop of York,) niece of the Right Rev. Dr. George j 

Henry Law, Bishop of Bath and Wells; cousin of Lord \ 

EUenborough and the Lord Colchester: was returned for \ 

Edinburgh county from 1812 to 1837 (except in 1832, when ^ 

he was in a minority of 65 votes), when he was defeated by \ 



Ill 



43 votes, and succeeded for this boroiigli May 2, 1838. Was 
a Lord of tlie Admiralty from 1819 to 1830, ami joint Secre- 
tary of the Treasury in 1835. Is Deputy-Lieutenant of 
Midlothian. His ancestor Sir John Clerk, of Pennycuick, 
M.P., was created a Baronet of Nova Scotia in 1679, and 
was succeeded by his son Sir John, who was appointed in 
1707 one of the Barons of the Exchequer in Scotland, which 
judicial office he filled for 48 years; whose grandson Sir 
George (grandfather of the present Baronet,) was a Com- 
missioner of Customs and Lord Treasurer's Eemembrancer 
of the Exchequer in Scotland. Sir George was appointed 
to the offices of Master of the Mint and Vice-President of 
the Board of Trade early in February, 1845, and was re- 
elected on the 10th of the same month. Sir George at that 
time had rendered himself unpopular by opposing the Syston 
and Peterborough Railway, upon which the electors had set 
their hearts ; and when performing the ceremony of chairing, 
he was desperately assailed with snow-baUs; so much so 
as to create serious apprehensions for his personal safety. 
Sir George is a strict follower of Sir Eobert Peel, whose 
private secretary he was during the Duke of Wellington's 
administration. 

Coat of Arms. — " Upon the honourable ensignes of the 
towne of Stamford, in the county of Lincolne, with the story 
thereof, and how the same came to be atchieved by the 
towne of Stamford, is thus stated by Butcher: — 

* The coat of armes depicted on our shield 

Was honourably won in Loose-coat-field. 

The Norman bastard, bastard beasts did bear. 

And leopards twain upon his surcoat wear ; 

Which to the world did plainely sig-nifie 

His mongril birth and spurious prog-eny. 

But when this bastard blood was quite out-worne. 

And England's kings were speech and birth her owne ; 

Our second Henry by a rightful claime, 

(Matching Eleanor, heyre of Aquitaine,) 

Kgoldeii ly on passant, gidy field, 

Tor th' Aquitanian dutchy bore en's shield ; 



112 coc 

The blood being clear'd the scutcheon perfect stood. 

And thence three lyons in afield ofhlood; 

For England two, and one for Aquitaine^ 

Field, colour, posture, all alike remaine. 

When as fourth Edward over England's reign'd, 

Their birth and blood four odious traytors stain'd ; 

Whose base rebellion he, their la^Arful King, 

With Stamford's aid, did soon to ruin bring, 

Warwick, Wells, Dymocke, de la Lande, were they 

Whose trayt'rous spirits scorned to obey 

King Edward's scepter royall ; 'till that he. 

With all his force and valiant chivahy. 

From Fotheringhay, a castle of renowne, 

March'd, and arriv'd in safety at this towne ; 

And, with such strength as here he then did gaine, 

A noble conquest bravely did obtain ; 

Wells, Dymocke, de la Lande, without a trial, 

Then lost their heads under the standard roiall ; 

And next to honour Stamford for such aid, 

His own paternall armes to it convey'd, 

Joyn'd with Earl Warren's shield of high renowne, 

Who formerly was owner of this toune ; 

Adding to former grants, immunities. 

For helping him against his enemies.' 

'—See Battles and Borough Seal. 

Cockpits. — The first Cockpit was erected in 1725, in St. 
Martin's, near the George Hotel, by Brownlow, the eighth 
Earl of Exeter : it is built of freestone in an octagonal form, 
in each side of which are two arched niches by way of orna- 
ment ; the roof is also arched and was formerly delicately 
ceiled. It measures forty feet in diameter, is computed to 
hold nearly five hundred persons, and is considered a most 
complete edifice of its kind. 

That such a building should for several years have been 
in disuse, is somewhat singular, but such is the case, and 
the cockings were held in a large room in the Hotel-yai-d. 
It does not appear, however, that they were regularly held 
till the year 1726, as Howgrave says, "This year (1726) 
there was a cocking at the time of the races by subscription 
among the neighbouring gentlemen, which I am informed 
is made for some time." The mains and matches were regu- 



113 



larly fought in this place on the mornings of each of the > 

race days, but in 1819 they were discontinued, owing to the > 

races beginning at two o'clock, instead of six as before, thus I 

not affording a sufficient time for the cookings. This cruel ^ 

^ sport has now altogether ceased, and the Hotel cockpit is I 

< converted into a school-room. The last main was fought I 
( during the race week, 1834. > 
I Coinage. — See Mint. i 

< Coins. — Between the years 1653 and 1672, seyeral Stam- < 
I ford halfpence were coined, it being the period during which \ 
\ not only Corporations but private persons made their own \ 
\ halfpence and farthings, which were called tokens. The > 
c Stamford halfpenny was of copper, about the size of a six- < 
I pence, and very thin. On one side were the town arms, ? 

< with this inscription ai'ound them, — ' a stamford half- s 
J PENNY TO BE :' on the reverse was a woolpack with these > 

< words, — ' CHANGED BY THE OVERSEERS.' Mr. Lowe also I 
f mentions a tradesman's token beiDg in his possession which ( 
\ was made of brass and less than the corporation halfpenny. ? 
/ Though much worn, on one side might be distinguished a ^ 
\ coat of arms and the word ' thomas ;' on the reverse, the I 

< words ' IN STAMFORD, 1659,' round , ^^j^^ in the centre. \ 
I And in a plate of tokens and town-pieces in Bridge's North- i 
i amptonshire, we find one about the size of a sixpence be- ? 
\ longing to Saint Martin's : on one side it has a dove or some > 

< other bird with its wings expanded, around which is inscribed, > 
{ * MILES HODGSON;' and on the reverse the words * stam- I 
I FORD baron' surrounding a woolpack, under which are the s 
i initials * m. h.' I 
\ Mr. Drakard, in his History, gives a beautiful plate of ^ 
> Stamford Coins, which were in the possession of Francis { 
\ Simpson, junior, Esq., among which are the following, viz : — > 
\ one about the size of a shilling, containing three tobacco I 
<, pipes in the centre, and 'francis barnwell' on the bor- ^ 
I der; on the reverse, 'his half peny' in the centre, and i 
J *0F STAMFORD, 1668,' ou the border. The following six I 
I are about the size of a sixpence : the 1st has a coat of arms > 



114 



and three birds, — with the following inscription round it, — 
' BLYTH FRANCIS ;' and on the reverse, ' of stamford, 57,' 
with . /m' ill the centre. The 2nd has the same arms, and 

* THOMAS ROBERTS ;' and on the reverse, * Stanford, 1659,' 
with . ^^. in the centre. The 3rd has the same arms, with 
the inscription, * robert algar ;' on the reverse, * of 
STANFORD, 57, ^\ . The 4th also has the same arms, with 

* HVMPHRY REYNOLDS ;' on the reverso, ' in stamford, 1662, 
H^ » The 5th has ' borovgh of stamford', with ' i. d.' 
1657,' in the centre; on the reverse, 'covnty of link- 
corn,' with * H. r' in the centre. The 6th has * john 
HARD--- DALE,' with 'e. d.' in the middle; and on the re- 
verse, * both of STAMFORD,' with * I. H.' and a flower in 
the centre. 

Mr. H. Boor, of Stamford, has in his collection several of 
those above enumerated, besides the following ; one having 
'ciscAN OF stoiford' and ' s. h.' in the middle; and on 
the reverse, an inscription not now legible, with * w. h.' in 
the centre. Another, 'william walker, with the figure 
of a man dipping candles ; and on the reverse, * c handir, 
STAMFORD.' A third, 'JOHN BLYTH, STAM.,' with a curious 
figure of a crucifix, &c. in the centre ; and on the reverse, 
*FORD. CHARLES DEALE,' with the figure of a Queen, and 
the letters * c. d.' in the centre. The same person has 
also a shilling of Mary Queen of Scots, which was found on 
the bank of the river Guash, in Plash-meadow ; a coin of 
the Emperor Vespasian, found on the Roman Bank; and a 
coin issued by Messrs. Edward and Francis Butt, drapers, 
during the scarcity of the silver coin in 1811. On one side, 
in the centre, are the words — ' Silver Is. 6d. Token,' sur- 
rounded by the following — ' Payable in cash notes by 
Edwd. and Eras. Butt;' on the reverse, a lion in a recum- 
bent posture supporting the British flag: above, a crown 
radiated; below, * stamford, 1811.' 

College. — See Brazen-nose. 

Conduits and Wells. — Mr. Butcher says, — " The town is 
watered by two common conduits, as namely, by Saint 



115 



MicLael's and Paul's conduits ; besides it hath four common 
■wheel-wells belonging thereto — All Hallow's well, Saint 
George's well, Poule well, and Clement well : the conduits 
are fed by pipes of lead which descend from a spring called 
the conduit head, being twelve-score yards or thereabouts 
without the walls, upon the north-east of the town, in the 
common-field, and hath the land next adjoining to it for the 
benefit both of the spring and conduit." 

The wells are now eoTered in and pumps placed to them, 
which are kept in repair by the Improyement Commissioners. 
The present pumps are in Scotgate, High-street, Saint 
George's-square, Saint Peter's-Tale, Saint Leonard's-street, 
Saint Martin's on the road leading to Barnack, Bath-row, 
and Saint Marys-passage. — See Chanties. 

Conjirmaiions. — In July, 1822, 1100 children were con- 
firmed at Saint Mary's church by the Bishop of Lincoln ; in 
August, 1825,803,- July, 1828, 540; July, 1831, 831; July, 
1834, 700; August, 1837, 600; July, 1840, at Saint Mi- 
chael's, 551 ; August, 1843, 620. 

Cooke, John Walling, — a young maltster of Stamford, 
struck by iVdam Sharp, a watchman, October 9th, 1826 ; 
the blow terminated fatally, and Sharp was tried at Peter- 
borough on the coroner's warrant for manslaughter, but 
acquitted : Cooke was intoxicated and larking at the time. 

Cooke, William Collins. — See Neiv Corporation, 

Com Market — established 972; in 1839 it was covered 
by a stone building, the beautiful plans for which were 
drawn by the late Rev. Henry De Foe Baker, of Greetham, 
afterwards Warden of Browns Hospital. The style of 
architecture exactly agrees with that of Brown's Hospital 
which it adjoins. The market is flagged and surrounded by 
neat paUisading. The cost of the improvements was defrayed 
by voluntary contributions. The business done here is not 
large, in consequence of so many markets being held in the 
neighbourhood. 

The following is the price of wheat from 1785 to 1846 
inclusive, taken from March in each year. 



116 



1785 35 to 41 

First Assize of Bread. 
1786 35 — 39 

6d. household loaf weighed 
51bs. 5oz. 9dr. 

1787 36— 41 

1788 42—47 

1789 46—49 

1790 48—53 

1791 48—52 

1792 36—40 

1793 48—53 

1794 50 — 52 

1795 57 — 59 

In July this year the aver- 
age arose to 118s. ; and on the 
17th 2G03. being asked for a 
sample of wheat, a great tu- 
mult arose which caused a 
large body of special constables 
to be sworn in, to attend the 
following markets. 

1796 100 —105 

1797 47 — 54 

1798 39—43 

1799 47 — 50 

1800 100 — 120 

1801 115 —157 

6d. loaf household only 
weighed lib. 7oz. 2dr. 

1802 77—80 

1803 54—58 

1804 50 — 55 

1805 86—105 

1806 73—74 

1807 68—78 

AVERAGE. 

1808 68 7 

1809 96 

Coroner. — The late mayor was, by custom, elected to this 
office until the passing of the Municipal Eeform Act in 1835, 
when the Town-Council elected John Torkington, gent., 
the present coroner. 



s. d. 

1810 103 9 

1811 86 

1812 Ill 

1813 122 7 

1814 71 9 

1815 65 2 

1816 54 

1817 114 

1818 82 8 

1819 80 

1820 72 

1821 61 6 

1822 42 

1823 50 2 

1824 65 9 

1825 67 

1826 56 

1827 58 

1828 67 

1829 5210 

1830 59 7 

1831 72 3 

1832 58 

1833 5410 

1834 45 9 

1835 , 3711 

1836 46 4 

1837 53 

1838 55 9 

1839 75 7 

1840 70 

1841 64 6 

1842 58 

1843 45 

1844 55 8 

1845 44 7 

1846 55 6 

In 1740 Malt was 2s. 6d. per 
bushel. 



117 



Corporation. — This town was governed by twelve Lagemen 
in the time of Edward the Confessor; but in the reign of 
William the Conqueror the number was reduced to nine, 
and so remained until after 1274. It is not known when 
the title of Alderman was first given to our chief magistrate, 
as the records were lost during the civil wars, and when the 
town was destroyed by fire ; but Mr, Peck says, that he finds 
the following persons served the office of Alderman, viz : — 

Thomas de Eavele .... 1338 Jo. de la Panterie 1373-4 

Edward Styandeby .... 1373 John BroAvn 1376-7 

WilUam Styandeby 1372-3 

No further record is extant until the charter of Henry IV, 
in 1401 ; whence we have a regular succession of Aldermen, 
until 1400, from a very ancient roll, as follow : — 



Garvis Wykes 1401 

Stephen Maxey, 2 1402 

Bobart Lockesmith 1403 

Johan Standby 1404 

Thomas Storme 1405 

Thomas Spicer 1408 

Baphe Harwood 1407 

Johan Palfreeman, 2 .... 1408 

Baphe Browne 1409 

Johan Stacy 1410 

Alex-.nder Haine 1411 

Bobart Lockesmith 1412 

Thomas Basset 1413 

Johan Browne, draper 1414 

William Lockesmith .... 1415 

Johan Stonbe 1416 

Johan Palfreeman 1417 

Alexander Marcer 1418 

Johan Allcocke 1419 

Andrew Draper 1420 

Thomas Basset 1421 

Johan Browne, draper. . . . 1422 

Thomas Baffe 1423 

Thomas Spicer 1424 

Johan Palfreeman 1425 

Johan Whitesade 1426 

Johan Browne, draper. . . . 1427 

Bobert Bendbore 1428 

Thomas Basset 1429 

Thomas Spicer 1430 



Johan Longe 1431 

Johan Page 1432 

Bichard Lee 1433 

La-wrance Melton 1434 

William Brown 1435 

William Marwood 1436 

Bichard Lee 1437 

La^vTance Melton 1438 

William Morwood 1439 

Bichard Lee, 2 1440 

Bobert Browne, glover . . 1441 

William Storton 1442 

Thomas Bulksaye 1443 

William Browne 1444 

Johan Page 1445 

Bichard Lee 1446 

Lawrance Melton 1447 

Johan Bro^\Tie 1448 

William Browne, 2 1449 

WiUiam Storton 1450 

Bichard Blog'^\in 1451 

Thomas Gregory 1452 

Johan Browne 1453 

Lawrance Melton 1454 

Johan Gregory 1455 

Johan Page 1456 

William Hickame 1457 

WiUiam Storton 1458 

Thomas Gregory 1459 

William Browne 1460 



118 



The large tablet at the south end of the sessions room in 
the town-hall gives the list of chief magistrates until 1700. 
The following is a copy : — 

StamfortJia €Domitatu Lincoln.— In this table is a brief 
declaration of all the names of them which have been alder- 
men of this borough and town since the charter of the 
corporation, which was granted by King Edward IV, in the 
first year of his reign, at which time George Chapman being 
alderman of the gild in this town, was made first alderman 
of the corporation for the said year. 

'1663. This year was the charter renewed, made a mayor 
town, with other new grants; William Azlacke, gent., the 
first mayor : the same year was our new river undertaken 
by D. Wigmore, esq. — a lease granted to him for eighty years. 

Georg-e Chapman 1461 

John Browne, esq 1462 

John Gregory 1463 

William Hickham 1464 

Hobert Hannse 1465 

WiUiam BroAvne, esq 1466 

WiUiam Hickham, 2 .... 1467 



Georg-e Chapman, 2 1468 

Thomas Kestone 1469 

WiUiam Bro^Tie, esq., 2. . 1470 

John Greg-ory, 2 1471 

Robert Hannse, 2 1472 

John Neale 1473 

Alexander Dyatt 1474 

John Gebbes 1475 

John Dickons 1476 

Henry Coke, esq 1477 

Hobert Skinner 1478 

William Hickham, 3 .... 1479 

George Chapman, 3 1480 

[Robert Hannse, 3 1481 

Christ. Browne, esq 1482 

John Dickons, esq., 2 1483 

David Malpase 1484 

John Steede 1485 

Thomas Kestone, 2 1486 

Henry Coke, esq., 2 1487 

JohnFrebarne 1488 



Thomas Phillipes 1489 

William Gayewood 1490 

Christopher Browne, 2 . . 1491 

Nicholas Byllisdine 1492 

John Dickons, 3 1493 

This year, by Act of Par- 
liament, was confirmed the 
statutes of the almshouse 
of William Browne, esq. 

Thomas Edwards, esq. . . 1494 

WHHam Badcliffe, esq. . . . 1495 

John Cleypoole 1496 

Eichard Cannel 1497 

Bobert Cranne 1498 

Thomas PhiUipes, 2 1 i99 

JefFery Hampton 1500 

Nicholas Byllisdine, 2 1501 

Christopher Browne, 3 . . 1502 

William BadcHflfe, 2 .... 1.503 

David Cecill, esq 1504 

Nichol. Tirge, gent 1505 

Thomas Lacye 1506 

John Cobe 1507 

John Hardgrave, esq 1508 

John Tyard 1509 

Bichard Waslen, esq 1510 

Eobert Martindalle 1511 

William Badcliffe, 3 .... 1512 



119 



John Ley, ^ent 1513 

"Wimam EannkeU 1514 

David CeciU, esq., 2 .... 1515 

John Cobe, 2 1516 

Maiu-ice Johnsone 1517 

Thomas Crosse 1518 

John Thomas 1519 

John Hardgrave, esq., 2. . 1520 

Henry Lacye, g-ent 1521 

William Hadcliffe, 4 .... 1522 

John Ley, 2 1523 

Andrew Canne 1524 

Ed. Browne, esq 1525 

David CeciU, esq., 3 1526 

Maurice Johnsone, 2 .... 1527 
John Hardgrave, esq., 3. . 1528 

Thomas Crosse, 2 1529 

John Ley, 3 1530 

This year was the Gram- 
mar School erected by Wil- 
liam Eadchffe, and after- 
wards confirmed by act of 
parliament in the time of 
Edward YI, and £4 a-year 
more given since by the 
Bight Honom-able Sir "Wil- 
liam Cecil, knight. Lord 
Burghley, high treasurer 
of England, to the increase 
of the stipend of the school- 
master. 

Henry Lacye, 2 1531 

Thomas Watson 1532 

Eichard Engham 1533 

Eoger Bealle 1534 

Thomas Gedney 1535 

Eobert Haver 1536 

Andrew Canne, 3 1537 

Maurice Johnsone, 3 . . . . 1538 
Henry Lacye, 3 .... , 1539 

This year King Henry 
YIII went through Stam- 
ford to York. 

Thomas Watsone, 2 1540 

JohnFenton 1541 

John Allenn 1542 



Eoger Bealle, 2 1543 

William Button 1.544 

Eobert Winwick 1.545 

Nicholas Wylees 1546 

Henry Ley, gent 1547 

William Wylees 1548 

Thomas Watsone, 3 1549 

Andrew Scarre 15-50 

John Fenton, 2 1551 

William Campinett 1552 

John AUenn, 2 1553 

Ealphe Harrep 1554 

Henry Tampione 1555 

]N^icholas Wylees, 2 1556 

Francis Thorney 1557 

John Haughton 1558 

John Eider 1.559 

William Bagot 1.560 

Henry Inman 1.561 

This year the Market- 
cross was leaded and paved 
by Jane Cecil, widow, and 
mother to William Lord 
Burghley, high treasurer 
of England. 

Thomas Bealle 1562 

Ealphe Harrep, 2 1563 

W. Campinett, 2 1564 

Godfrey Dawsone 1565 

This year Queen Eliza- 
beth of famous memory 
made her progress through 
Stamford northward. 

John Haughton, 2 1566 

Gregory Burton^. 1567 

Alexander Anthony 1568 

Eeginald Harrysone 1569 

Henry Inman, 2 1570 

This year was the north 
end of the town bridge 
borne down by the extra- 
ordinary overflowing of the 
river Welland, and re- 
edified at the voluntary 

cost of Sir Wm. Burghley, 
lord high treasurer of 
England. 



120 



John Backhouse 1571 

Bichard Bartone 15T2 

William Lacy, gent 1573 

John Hawkins 1574 

John Haughton, 3 1575 

W. Campinett, 3 1576 

Godfrey Dawsoue, 2 1577 

John Elmes, g-ent 1578 

Richard Evely 1579 

John Wimblesby 1580 

John Haughton, 4 1581 

Beginald Harry son, 2 1582 

Bich. Shutte, gent 1583 

Bobert Medows 1584 

William Clarke 1585 

Francis Trigge, preacher, 
gave £4. to buy barley for 
the poor in Stamford yearly 
Laurence Wilsby 1586 

This year George Trigge, 
gent., gave £400 in this 
town for ever, to be yearly 
lent to young beginners 
and poor tradesmen. 

Tobias Lovedaye 1587 

Anthony Gunsone 1588 

Bobert Langton 1589 

Bobert Bamesden 1590 

Bichard Shutte, gent., 2. . 1591 
Bichard Shutte, gent., 3. . 1592 

William Watson 1593 

Bobert Medowes, 2 1594 

Cutbert Grenebery 1595 

William Clarke, 2 ] 596 

Lionel Fetherstone 1597 

This year the Bight 
Honourable Lord Burgh- 
ley, high treasurer of Eng- 
land, erected an hospital 
at Stamford Baron, in the 
county of Northampton, 
for thirteen poor men, and 
appointed the alderman of 
Stamford to have the chief 
nomination of four out of 
the thirteen, so often as 
they shall be void. 



Nicholas Lambe 1598 

John Elmes, gent 1599 

Bobert Medowes, 3 1600 

Tobias Lovedaye, 2 1601 

William Salter 1602 

This year King James 
came out of Scotland 
through Stamford towards 
London. 
Beginald Waters 1603 

This year died of the 
plague in Stamford and St. 
Martin's, about 600 persons 
William Salter, gent., 2 . . 1604 

This year, by the means 
of the Bight Honourable 
Thomas, Earl of Exeter, 
the charter was renewed, 
and divers new grants from 
the King's majesty to this 
corporation were obtained. 
Also at the suit of Sir 
Bobert Wingfield, knight, 
one of the comburgesses of 
this corporation, it pleased 
the King's majesty to par- 
don two-fifteenths, amount- 
ing to the sum of £84. 8s. 
4d., due by Stamford and 
St. Martin's. 
William Clarke, 3 1605 

This year, at the suit of 
Sir Bobert Wingfield, knt., 
aforesaid, it pleased the 
King's majesty to pardon 
six-fifteenths, amounting 
to the sum of £254. 6s., 
due by Stamford and St. 
Martin's. 

John Lovedaye 1606 

Bobert Bamesden, 2 1607 

John BroAvne, esq 1608 

Lionel Fetherstone, 2 1609 J 

Thomas Jacksone 1610 \ 

Bobert Whatton 1611 

Francis CoUe 1612 



121 



Eobert Fawcett 1613 

Tobias Lovedaye, 3 1614 

Thomas Watsone 1615 

Tobias Halleloke 1616 

Edmund Corker 1617 

William Salter, gent., 3 . . 1618 

John Browne, esq., 2 . . . . 1619 

Thomas Grasone 1620 

Thomas Jacksone, 2 .... 1621 

Eobert Whatton, 2 1622 

Peter Full wood 1623 

Henry Rastell, gent 1624 

Vincent Halle 1625 

Henry Deathe, gent 1626 

Nicholas Lambe 1627 

Peter FuUwood, 2 1628 

Edmund Corker, 2 1629 

Richard Wolphe 1630 

Vincent Halle, 2 1631 

John Attone 1632 

This year King Charles 
made his progress through 
Stamford into Scotland. 

Edward Camocke 1633 

This year King Charles 
and Queen Mary made 
their progress through 
Stamford. 

Thomas Palmer 1634 

Abraham Faulkner 1635 

Henry Eldered 1636 

Henry Hasten, 2 1637 

Hichard Wolphe, 2 1638 

Leonard Cole 1639 

Jeremiah Cole 1640 

Richard Langton 1641 

Robert Camocke 1642 

Edward Camocke, 2 1643 

Vincent Halle, 3 1644 

Richard Dannald 1645 

Robert Fawcett 1646 

JohnBullocke 1647 

Jeremiah Cole, 2 1648 

Robert Camocke, 2 1649 

James Langton 1650 

John Palmer 1651 



Abraham Faulkner, 8 . . . . 1652 

Edward Johnsone 1653 

Robert Willsone 1654 

Richard Dannald, 2 1655 

Thomas Norris 1656 

Francis Dalbye 1657 

John Palmer, 2 1658 

James Langton, 2 1659 

Daniel Thorogood 1660 

Robert Whatton 1661 

George HiU 1662 

WiUiam Azlacke 1663 

Thomas Thorogood 1664 

Thomas Hawkins 1665 

Simon Walburge 1666 

Daniel Wigmore 1667 

Laurence Robbins 1668 

William Azlacke, 2 ib. 

Peter Mapletoft 1669 

Edward Curtis 1670 

WnUamLarret 1671 

Richard Warwick 1672 

Thomas Pilkinson, esq. . . 1673 

John Palmer 1674 

John Rogers 1675 

Philemon ITffington 1676 

Daniel Wigmore, 2 1677 

George Hawkins 1678 

Edward Sharp 1679 

William Stroud 1680 

Samuel Simonds 1681 

Thomas Thorogood 1682 

John Langton 1683 

Thomas Hawkins 1684 

This year the charter 
was renewed by King 
James II, and Daniel Wig- 
more, esq. made mayor. 

The Hon. Charles Bertie 1685 

Stafford Thorp 1686 

WiUiam Feast 1687 

Thomas Hawkins 1688 

John Butcher 1689 

Matthew Wyche 1690 

Laurence East 1691 

Thomas Linthwait 1692 



122 



Bichard Austin 1693 

Edward Barlow 1694 

Nicholas Love 1695 

Bobert Curtis 1696 



Leonard Thorogood 1697 

John Bogers, 2 1698 

George Hawkins, 2 1699 

John Butcher 1700 



At the north end of the sessions room are two other 
tablets which give the names of the Mayors up to 1819, as 
foUow : — 



Matthew Wyche, 2 1701 

Francis Witcox 1702 

William Feast, 2 1703 

John Seaton 1704 

John Palmer, 2 1705 

Thomas Linthwait, 2 . . . . 1706 

Bobert Langton 1707 

Joshua Black well, gent.. . 1708 

George Denshire 1709 

John Bogers, jun 1710 

The Hon. Charles CecH . . 1711 

Leonard Thorogood, 2 1712 

Charles Bertie, esq 1713 

Bichard Brookes 1714 

Samuel Boss 1715 

Francis Wilcox, 2 1716 

JohnGoodhall 1717 

John Seaton, 2 1718 

Thomas Linthwait, 3 . . . . 1719 
Leonard Thorogood, 3. . . . ib. 

Bobert CoUington 1720 

Joshua Black well, gent... 1721 

George Denshire, 2 1722 

John South 1723 

Henry Butcher 1724 

Peter Simonds 1725 

The Hon. WilUam Cecil. . 1726 

Joshua Blackwell ib. 

John Seaton 1727 

John Blackwell 1728 

Charles Shipley 1729 

Edward Holcott 1730 

William Toller 1731 

Thomas Hurst 1732 

Bobert Henson 1733 

Thomas Linthwaite 1734 

George Williamson ,...,. 1735 



Bichard Brookes 1736 

Thomas AUcock 1737 

Peter Simonds 1738 

Bobert FrankUn 1739 

John Black weU 1740 

George Portwood 1741 

Bobert Henson ib. 

WiUiam Newzam 1742 

James Dove 1743 

John Taylor 1744 

Charles Shipley 1745 

Benjamin Beresford 1746 

William Porter 1747 

Bichard Nevison 1748 

JohnExton 1749 

Barnaby Turner 1750 

Bobert Henson, 2 1751 

John AUen 1752 

Peter Simonds, 2 1753 

Francis Moore 1754 

Thomas WalUs 1755 

Bobert Bidhngton 1756 

Matthew Judd 1757 

George Searson 1758 

George Oliver 1759 

Henry Ward 1760 

Thomas Taylor 1761 

John Exton, 2 1762 

John Allen 1763 

Benjamin Beresford, 2 .. 1764 

Barnaby Turner, 2 1765 

Andrew Bogers 1766 

JohnExton, 3 1767 

James Hurst 1768 

John Hopkins 1769 

Joseph Wilford 1770 

Henry Cumbrey 1771 



123 



James Davie 1T72 

William Waters 1773 

William AUatt 1774 

James Yorke 1775 

Matthew Judd, 2, 1766 

Henry Ward, 2 1777 

JohnAUen, 2 1778 

William Stevenson 1779 

Joseph Eobinson 1780 

Leonard Stevenson ...... 1781 

Thomas Smith 1782 

Thomas Cooke 1783 

WilHam Foster 1784 

Thomas Rayment ib. 

Samuel Coddington 1785 

William Clarke 1786 

Samuel Allen ib. 

Robert Hxmt 1787 

Wortley Searson 1788 

John Hopkins, 2 1789 

WiUiam AUatt, 2 1790 

John Allen, 3 1791 

Henry Tatam 1792 

Eichard Askren 1793 

Jeremiah Bel^rave 1794 



Joseph Eobinson, 2 1795 

Leonard Stevenson, 2 . . . . 1796 

James Bowker 1797 

Thomas Cooke, 2 1798 

Charles Heppenstall .... 1799 

Thomas Lowe 1800 

Robert West 1801 

Thomas Harper 1802 

Thomas Snow 1803 

James Batson 1804 

WiUiam Elger 1805 

Richard Xewcomb 1806 

Charles Lowe 1807 

Leonard Stevenson 1808 

Samuel Coddington, 2 1809 

Thomas Simpson 1810 

Jeremiah Belgrave, 2 . . . . 1811 

Henry Parker West 1812 

Joseph Robinson, 3 1813 

Francis Simpson 1814 

James Bowker, 2 1815 

Charles HeppenstaU, 2 ..1816" 

Thomas MiUs 1817 

Richard TurniU 1818 

Robert Hunt 1819 



The table not yet fiUed up is placed on the west side of 
the same room, and contains the names of — 

Horatio T. GUchrist 1828 

Edw. Butt 1829 

Edw. Askew 1830 

Frans. JeUey 1831 

John Roden 1832 

Thos. MUls, 2 1833 

Eras. Butt 1834 

Fras. Butt, 2 1835 



Eichard Newcomb, 2 .... 1820 

John Davis 1821 

Heny. P. West, 2 1822 

W. K. Scott 1823 

Fras. Simpson, 2 1824 

Jas. Bowker, 3 1825 

Wm. Hunt 1826 

Mattw. Rooe 1827 

After these commence the Mayors elected under the 
Municipal Act. Anno Quinto et Sexto Gulielmi IV Regis. 



W. L. Hopkinson 1836 

Henry Weldon 1837 

Mark W. Jackson 1838 

Eobt. Hunt 1839 

Fras. Butt, 3 1840 

Horatio T. GUchrist .. -[ jg|J 

Joseph Phillips 1842 



Edward Cayley 1843 

Francis Jelley 1844 

Chas. Haycock 1845 

This year Queen Victoria 
fi'om *Burghley, visited 
Stamford. 

Chas. Haycock, 2 1846 



124 



The following persons have served the office of Recorder: — 



William Elmes, esq., pa- 
tron of Brown's Hospital 
and heir of the founder . . 1502 

Francis Harrington, of 
South Witham, esq., ob. 
4th August, 1596 1571 

Edward Heron, esq., of 
Stamford, who purchased 
Cressy Hall from the Noel 
family ; afterwards a knt. 
and appointed one of the 
barons of the Exchequer 
in 1607 1588 

Thomas Balguy, esq., of 
Stamford, who resided in 
the houses occupied by Mr. 
Eichard Cole and Mr. Jos. 
Everard, and was buried 
in Saint George's church, 
Stamford, 3rd Nov., 1607. 1594 

"WilUam Earl of Exeter, 
to whom John Balguy, esq. 
was deputy. The earl was 
buried on the 8th of July, 
1640, in Westminster Ab- 
bey 1627 



John Earl of Exeter, re- 
signed 1649 1640 

John Balguy, esq. : sa- 
lary £4. per annum 1649 

John Earl of Exeter. ... 1660 
The Eight Hon. Baptist, 
Lord Viscount Carapden. . 1676 
Johii Earl of Exeter .... 1682 
Robert Earl Lindsey, 
chamberlain of England, 
was appointed by the char- 
ter of James II 1685 

John Lord Burghley 1697 

Brownlow Earl of Exeter 1720 

John Earl of Exeter, on 
the d eath of his late father. 1721 

Bro^vnlowEarl of Exeter, 
on the death of his late 

brother 1722 

Brownlow Earl of Exeter 1754 
Henry Marquis of Exeter 1794 
Charles Chaphn, esq., of 

Blankney 1804 

Brownlow Marquis of 
Exeter 1816 



The subjoined ai-e the names of the several Clerks of the 
Peace, or Town Clerks, who have also been chosen for this 
Borough. They are officers belonging to the Sessions of the 
Peace, whose duty, at such periods, is to read the indictments, 
administer the oaths, enrol the acts, draw the processes, &c. 



Bartholomew Allen 1588 

Henry Jeffarson, on the 
dismission of Bart. Allen. . 1591 
William Salter for life. . 1592 
William Salter for life, 
with a salary of forty shil- 
lings 1595 

B. Allen, on the resig- 
nation of William Salter 1613 
Eichard Langton on the 



resignation of B. Allen . . 1614 

Eichard Butcher on the 
resignation of E. Langton 1626 

Matthew Bunworth in 
the room of E. Butcher, 
removed 1634 

Eichard Butcher res- 
tored to his office 1 663 

Vvilliam Panke in the 
room of Eichard Butcher 
deceased 1664 



125 



John Browne on the 
resignation of William 
Panke 1676 

Eichard Wyche in the 
room of John Browne de- 
ceased 1701 

John Wyche son of the 
above IlichardWyche,upon 



the resignation of his father 1730 
John Wyche, upon the 

death of his father 1770 

James Torkington the 
present town clerk, in the 
room of John "Wyche de- 
ceased 1820 



The chief magistrate was formerly elected on the feast 
of Saint Jerome (the 30th September) ; but since the charter 
of James II, in 1685, the mayor has been nominated at a 
Common-hall on the first Thursday after the feast of Saint 
Bartholomew, and elected on the first Thursday after the 
feast of Saint Michael. The ceremony is thus described by 
Drakard, who says, — "On the day of election, the mayor 
who is about to resign, attended by the aldermen and capital 
burgesses, with their customary formalities, repair to the 
house of the mayor in nomination ; whence, after a short 
banquet, they proceed to the town-hall. The mayor in 
nomination then takes his seat on the right hand of the 
existing mayor, and the town clerk, after reading the act 
against bribery and coiTuption, enquires if the members are 
agreed in theii* choice. On being answered in the affirma- 
tive, the town clerk requests the mayor to bring forth his 
successor. Both th.en step forward, and the red velvet tip- 
pet is resigned to the mayor elect, who is immediately sworn 
into of&ce ; and the aldeimen and common councilmen are 
also sworn to aid and assist in all things that appertain to 
the legal jurisdiction and dignity of the mayoralty. An oath 
is then taken by the town clerk for the execution of his 
office ; and the like pledge is given by the coroner. The 
two chamberlains ; tlie bailiff of the liberty; the serjeant of 
the mace ; twelve constables ; the inspectors of the corn, 
flesh, and fish markets ; the sealers and serchers of leather; 
and all other inferior officers, are at this time likewise sworn. 

" The mayor is then accompanied to Saint Mai-y's church 
by the aldermen and capital burgesses ; whence, after 



126 



divine service,* they return to the town-hall, preceded by 
the twelve constables, the town music, and the two mace 
bearers. A sumptuous entertainment is here provided for 
their reception by the newly-elected mayor, to which all the 
principal tradesmen of the town are invited. The nobility 
and gentry in the neighbourhood were also in the habit of 
attending this civic feast, but recently they have seldom 
honoured it with their company." 

The town was, until the establishment of the present po- 
lice, watched by six men, who received sixpence for each 
night; but in 1789, the sum was advanced to eight-pence; 
and several years afterwards it was increased to eighteen- 
pence per night. Twelve constables were chosen annually 
by the magistrates from the burgesses. — See Beadle and 
Town Cryer. 

In the reign of Charles I, several members of the corpora- 
tion were dismissed by order of Paiiisiment for assisting that 
unfortunate King. 

The corporation had the power of life and death : the last 
time it was exercised was during the mayoralty of Mr. Sea- 
ton, in 1704, when Cassandra King was executed for a 
burglary at Wothorpe : her body lies at the north-east corner 
of Saint Michael's church-yard. 

In 1773, Samuel Brackshaw brought an action against J. 
Hojikins, mayor, for false imprisonment ; and, after several 
trials, a special jury at Guildhall, London, (in- opposition 
to the summing up of the judge. Lord Mansfield,) gave 
a verdict for Bruckshaw, damages £5. . The cbi-poration 
lost much money by this suit, and were obliged to sell some 
estates to defray the expenses. 

• The corporation maintained a successful (?) action in the 
Court of Exchequer, relating to the Town Tolls, in 1829 : 
but although the legality of the collection of tolls was esta- 

* A Latin oration tised to be recited by the scholars of the Free- 
school, at the entrance of St. Mary's Church, but this was discon- 
tinued in 1687, the Mayors not understanding- it, and the Aldermen 
not wishing to be kept so long from the dehcious turtle. 



127 



blished in one of the Superior Courts, it proyed highly 
injurious to the borough, for the corporation vras involved 
£1200. in debt for law proceedings (and which has not yet 
been cleared off) : nor was this the worst, — for the cattle 
dealers and graziers, rather than submit to the imposition 
of the tolls, established new fairs at Market Deeping on the 
same days as the chartered fairs of Stamford, and which 
much reduced the trade of this town. At a Common-hall 
held on the 14th of March, 1832, it was agreed to suspend 
the collection of these tolls (which only produced about 
£25. per annum on an average of several years). These 
tolls have therefore ceased to be collected, and the fairs have 
gradually revived. 

On the 14th of September, 1833, John Long and Thomas 
Buckle, Esquires, two Commissioners appointed to investi- 
gate the state of the Municipal Corporations in England, 
attended at the Town-hall for that purpose : their enquiry 
lasted several days. As it is not my intention to make 
any remarks on the conduct of this corporation, (chiefly be- 
cause the proceedings of that body were kept secret, 
and therefore not having the same opportunity of investigating 
their actions,) I present my readers with the following extract 
from the report made to Parliament by the Commissioners. 

Report of Geo. Long and Johx Buckle, Esquires, the 
Corporation Commissioners. 

The municipal borough of Stamford is co-extensive with 
the five parishes of All Saints, St. John, St. Michael, St. 
George, and St.'Mary, and includes all that part of the town 
which lies on the north side of the Eiver WeUand, in the 
county of Lincoln. It does not include the part which lies' 
in the parish of St. Martin, Stamford Baron, in the county 
of Northampton. — The population of the five parishes, ac- 
cording to the last census, was 5837. The population of 
St. Martin Stamford Baron was 1225. The area within the 
corporate limits is 1860 English statute acres. 

The earliest Charter known to the Corporation was 



128 



granted by Edw. 4, in the 1st year of his reign; and the 
last by Jas. 2, in the 1st year of his reign. — The following 
is a list of all the Charters known in the borough. I 



1 Edw. 4, 12 Feb. 
21 Edw. 4, 21 Nov. 

2 Ric. 3, 16 August. 
19 Hen. 7, 11 May. 

2 Hen. 8, 12 July. 
34 Hen. 8, 30 June. 

1 Edw. 6, 22 Xov. 

3 Edw. 6, 29 May. 



1 and 2 Phil, and M. 20 \ 

January. I 

1 Eliz. 23 February. I 

36 EHz. 22 Nov. i 

3 Jas. 1, 2 July. I 

16 Car. 2, 19 Feb. ^ 

13 Anne, 15 June. > 

I Jas. 2, 3 March. > 



The last is the Governing Charter, a translation of which I 

accompanies our report. I 

The persons incorporated by this Charter are, the Mayor, \ 

Aldermen, Burgesses, and Community of the town or bo- ] 

rough. — The title of the Corporation is " The Mayor, Alder- > 

men, and Capital Burgesses of the Town or Borough of > 

Stamford, in the county of Lincoln. I 

The number of Freemen is supposed to be about 305; I 

and about 250 are resident. > 

The Governing Body consists of the Mayor, Aldermen, > 

and Capital Burgesses. ^ 

The Eeport, after enumerating the Officers composing \ 

the Governing Body, and describing the mode of their \ 

election, &c., thus proceeds, — > 

The constitutional functions of the mayor, aldermen, and ^ 

capital burgesses, as the Governing Body of the borough, ^ 

are thus defined by the Charter: — \ 

To make laws and ordinances for the good order and government > 

of the inhabitants of the to-^Ti, and of all the officers, ministers, > 

artificers, and residents mthin it ; and for declaring in what way I 

they, their servants and apprentices, shall demean themselves, in I 

their several capacities ; " and otherAvise for the further pubic good, j 

common benefit, and good order of the town or borough, and the > 

victualling of the same." ^ 

To fine and imprison offenders against their laws and ordinances, ^ 

retaining the fines to their own use. > 

To manage the corporation property, and guard the privileges and s 

interest of the borough. ^ 

To return and execute all the King's writs and mandates. \ 



^ COR 129 I 

< — -^ 

^ The powers of this body are now limited in practice to \ 

] the election of municipal functionaries, and the manage- ] 

^ ment of the town property. I 

r Its political character is seen in that of its component ; 

I parts, and will further appear in the sequel. I 

I All the members are removable by the Pri\^ Council. I 

[ The other OflBicers of the Corporation are all appointed by \ 

\: the governing body, with the exception of the inspectors of \ 

r weights and measures, who are appointed by the magistrates. > 

c The Recorder is appointed for hfe, subject to approval by > 

.^ the King, and to removal by the Privy Council. The charter I 

\ requires that he shall be " a virtuous and eminent man." l 

\ He is a magistrate of the borough, and the assessor of the \ 

\ civil court. The quarter sessions cannot be held, nor can s 

< any trial take place in the civil court, without the presence \ 
\ of himself or his deputy. — The present Recorder is the \ 
\ Marquis of Exeter, who has twice attended the sessions. — ^ 
^ His influence in the corporation has appeared in the selec- \ 
\ tion of the magistracy and council. It will further appear ^ 
\ in exclusions from the franchise, and in the occupation of > 
\ property. > 
^ The Deputy Recorder is appointed by the Recorder, and is \ 
j removable by him ; he is also removable by the Privy Council. ] 

< — The charter requires that he shall be "a virtuous and > 
\ honourable man, skilled in the laws of England, and who \ 
'< has been a barrister." He is a magistrate of the borough, \ 
\ £ind regularly attends the quarter sessions. — No salary is > 
( paid by the corporation. — The present deputy is J. Hildyard, \ 
\ Esq., a barrister on the Midland Circuit. \ 
\ The Coroner is annually chosen from the aldermen, and > 
\ removable by the governing body and by the Privy Council. > 
c His jurisdiction within the borough is exclusive ; and he ; 
S receives 65. ^d. on every inquest. > 
^ The Town Clerk is appointed for life, subject to the ap- > 

< proval of the Crown, and to removal both by the governing > 
\ body and by the Privy Council. The charter requires that \ 
\ he shall be a " virtuous and discreet man." He is clerk of > 

J 



130 



the peace for the borough ; clerk of the Crown to enrol re- 
cognizances of statute merchant and statute staple; and 
clerk of the borough magistrates. He issues the process of 
the civil court, enters its judgments, and taxes the costs. 
He attends all meetings of the corporation, records their 
proceedings, and acts as their legal adviser. His salary is 
£4:. per annum ; and the incidental emoluments of the office 
are estimated by him at £137. a year, independently of pro- 
fessional profits as solicitor of the corporation. 

Then follows a list of the other ministerial officers ap- 
pointed by the Corporation, as Chamberlains, Gaoler, Chief 
Constable, &c. &c., and the subjoined account of the rights 
of the 

Freemen. 

The Freedom is acquired by Birth, Apprenticeship, Pur- 
chase, or Gift. 

All Sons of Freemen, if bom within the town, are entitled 
to admission at the age of 21. All Apprentices bound within 
the town are entitled to admission after seven years' service. 
It is not necessary that the master should be a freeman. 
Admissions by Purchase are only obtained with the consent 
of the governing body, and residents only are eligible. The 
sum paid has varied from £6. to £16. Honorary Freemen 
are created by the governing body without limitation. The 
Parliamentary Candidates for the borough are usually pre- 
sented with the freedom. The Fees paid on Admission 
amount to 10s., one half of which is paid to the town clerk, 
and the other half to the serjeant at mace. Honorary free- 
men pay £6. 5s. to the town clerk, and £1. Is. to each of 
the Serjeants. 

The Freemen have no collective functions. Their per- 
sonal Privileges are, — 

1. A qualified rig-lit of common over 1200 acres of open field land, 
which lies close to the town on the north side of the river. About 
52 acres of this land are waste, and may be stocked throughout the 
year, but the remaining- portion is freehold, which can only be 
stocked during the time it lies fallow. — The stint established at the 
last manorial coiu-t restricts the number of cattle and sheep to six 



COR 131 \ 

heifers or cows, three calves less than a year old, and six sheep ; the ) 

number of horses is imlimited. This privilege is confined to resi- 5 

dents, and is now enjoyed by about 30 persons. ^ 

2. An exemption from customary tolls throughout the kingdom. ^ 

3. Exemption from service on juries without the borough. ^ 

4. An exclusive right of trading within the town. i 

Tradesmen of the town are occasionally summoned to take \ 

up their freedom, but there have been no proceedings against ; 

those who have neglected to obey the summons. ^ 

The present body of freemen form but a small portion of ] 

the inhabitants of the town, and during the last five years j 

the number of admissions has considerably diminished. | 

Those who are entitled by birth or apprenticeship, only take I 

up their freedom for the purpose of stocking the common : i 

and among the other inhabitants few are disposed to purchase j 

it. The number of those willing to pay the fine is restricted ) 

in practice by the exclusion of all who have erected any > 

building upon the waste, which lies on the skirts of the town. \ 

The professed object of this exclusion is to protect the free- I 

men in the exercise of their right of common : but many of \ 

these buildings confer the right of voting for Members of ] 

Parliament, and those votes have generally been given in ] 

opposition to the Exeter interest. I 

The town was extending in this direction when the Mar- 5 

quis of Exeter, as lord of the manor, gave notice that the I 

new buildings would be pulled dow^n. An action has been \ 

recently brought against a voter in the opposite interest, for > 

one of these erections. It was brought in the name of the > 

chief constable, by the Marquis of Exeter's attorney. Judg- > 

ment was suff'ered by default, and the costs and expenses of ) 

the action amounted to £70. This voter, after paying £30. > 

was released, and at the next election he voted in the Exe- I 

ter interest. He says, that if he had continued to vote with ^ 

"the Blues," he supposes he must have paid the whole. ) 

No action has been brought against the supporters of the ; 

Exeter interest. < 



132 



Jurisdiction. i 

The Keport next describes the " Borough Jurisdiction," \ 

under the several heads of Magistracy, Local Courts, Ses- > 

sions, Juries, Borough Eate, Court of Record, Gaol, Police, > 

and Poor. The following are extracts : — ^ 

Juries. — The selection of the Juries is left to the bailiff 
of the liberty, a subordinate of&cer of the corporation, who 
is restricted by no rule, and upon all ordinaiy occasions has 
no other guide than his own discretion. On " particular oc- 
casions" he states that he consults the town clerk. The 
town clerk says that the order of rotation is observed as far 
as it can be. We examined several of the grand-jury lists 
framed for ordinary occasions, which presented no e\idence 
of political exclusion, although in all cases there was a 
majority of jurors voting in the Exeter interest. It was 
observed in explanation, that a majority of the principal 
tradesmen in the town coincide with the coi'poration in their 
political sentiments : a fact we were unable to verify. We 
also examined a panel formed on one of those " particular 
occasions" where the town clerk appears to have been con- 
sulted. The occasion was this : at the Michaelmas sessions 
of 1830, bills had been x^referred by the magistrates against 
persons charged with a riot at the preceding election of the 
mayor. The gi-and jury, to whom these bills were presented, 
was, with one exception, exclusively composed of the politi- 
cal adherents of the Exeter interest. The one exception 
was an individual who voted on both sides. True bills were 
found, and the proceedings were then removed to the assizes. 
Borough Rate. — A Borough Rate is imposed by the ma- 
gistrates : and it is a matter of complaint that charges are 
thrown upon this rate which are not authorised by Acts of 
Parliament. The repairs of bridges and other public works 
were among the instances adduced. The town clerk says, 
in explanation, that it has always been so, and that, in the 
absence of local Acts, the magistrates, he considers, have 
power to assess the inhabitants for these purposes. The 
amount raised for the year 1832 was £1870. It is assessed 



133 



in the following proportions for ^100: All Saints ^25., Saint 
Mary ^^15., Saint Michael ^25., Saint John ^16. 17. 6, Saint 
George £18. 2. 6. 

Police. — The police force is expensive and inefficient, 
even upon ordinary occasions. " The watch," says the town 
clerk, " is as bad as possible ;" and the petty constables are 
described by the chief constable as persons who do nothing. 
They are chosen among the tradesmen ; and their station, 
he says, is too high for efficiency. So far from receiving 
any support from the inhabitants, this officer complains, that 
if an offender were taken by the police, whether it was day 
or night, and whatever the cause might be, many would be 
disposed to rescue, and none to assist. As an instance of 
this, he stated that about two years ago a poacher was 
rescued in the market-place, in the middle of the day, while 
600 persons were looking on, not one of w^hom would give 
any assistance to the police ; that the constable was ill-used, 
and the offender, after the rescue, was carried in triumph 
through the market. And as a proof that this insubordination 
did not ai-ise from the character of the offence, he added, 
that nobody knew for w^hat offence the prisoner had been 
taken up. — Upon occasions of political excitement the in- 
habitants are unwilling to act as special constables, and they 
cannot be relied on by the magistrates for support. At the 
last election but one, many persons were summoned to be 
sworn in from the neighbouring villages, in which the 
Recorder has considerable property and influence; and 
among them were several labourers who were then employed 
at Burghley House. It does not appeal* that any were sum- 
moned from the village of Little Casterton, although it is 
nearer to the town. In this village the Eecorder has no 
property. These villagers and labourers acted as special 
constables, but the chief constable says that they were not 
sworn in, nor were they under his control. The ordinary 
force under his control were not called upon to act, because 
he considered them partisans, and nobody could be found in 
the town to act against his own party. He told the mayor 



134 



that the local police was useless, and an application was \ 

consequently made by the town clerk to the authorities in > 

London, who sent down assistance. The mayor and other I 

magistrates corroborate the statement of their officer, that ] 

special constables could not have been found among the in- ^ 

habitants of the town to act impartially. ^ 

Corporation Patronage and Property. ^ 

Under this head the Eeport furnishes the following inte- I 

resting information : — > 

The Patronage of the corporation consists of the following ^ 

appointments. \ 

1. The Master of the Grammar School is appointed by the mayor, \ 
■with the advice and consent of the master of St. John's college, ^ 
Cambridge. ] 

2. The Hector of St. John's, Stamford, is appointed by the mayor ^ 
and the Marquis of Exeter, alternately. i 

3. The vacancies in Lord Burleig-h's Hospital are fiUed up by the ;; 
mayor, the Marquis of Exeter, and the parish of St. Martin, jointly. I 

4. The inmates of Snowden's Hospital, St. Peter's Hospital, and s 
All Saints CaUis, are appointed by the mayor alone. I 

> 

Grammar School.^ — The Grammar School is of little use 3 

to the inhabitants of the town, and has for many yeai'S con- > 

tinned in the same state. The number of boys has varied ^ 

from 6 to 12. '> 

The income of the master is 548 Z. a year, arising from ^ 

estates in the town; and in addition to his salary, he is ^ 

provided with a good house. ^ 

The decline of the school is attributed partly to the sys- I 

tern of education, and partly to the misconduct of the late > 

master. The education has been confined to the classics. > 

The late master, who was a brother-in-law of the mayor by n 

whom he was appointed, neglected his duties, and left the i 

house in a state of dilapidation. I 

His successor is not yet appointed, and the vacancy has ^ 

now continued for nine months, in consequence of a dispute > 

between the present mayor and the master of St. John's Col- n 

lege, Cambridge, with regard to the management and disci- I 

\ 



135 



\ pline of the school. In the meantime an offer of £1000. 

\ has been made to the former by a candidate for the appoint- 

l ment, and refused. 
I Property. 

) The Revenues of the coi-poration aiise principally from 

< real estates within the borough. 

< This property consists of houses and land, shambles, a 
? water-mill, and the sheep market. 

S Out of 26 houses ^vithin the town, 10 are let on long 

I leases to the Recorder, and are nnder-let by him : the 

I other 16 are occupied by yearly tenants, the majority of 

I whom are voters in the Exeter interest. 

\ The present value of the houses tenanted by the Recorder 

) is at least £150. a year. The rent he pays to the corporation 

is £51 . a year. Improvements have been made by the lessee, 

the extent of which we were unable to ascertain with any 

accuracy. 

The town clerk states that, if these houses had been let 
by auction, there is very httle doubt that higher rents might 
have been obtained. Experience, he says, proves that, in 
aU cases of pubhc property, publicity is advantageous ; and 
as an instance of this he mentioned the school property, the 
revenues of which have been doubled since public notice has 
been given of the leases. This notice has been given in 
consequence of an order fi'om the Court of Chancery. 

The watch-house and engine-house belong to the corpo- 
ration, and they charge the inhabitants £10. a year for the 
use of them. The rent is charged in the borough rate. 

The Lands are held upon very uneq^ual terms. One of 
the tenants, lately deceased, was allowed to occupy 16J 
acres of arable land at a rate of lis. Qd. per acre, while he 
was underletting a part of the same land at rather more than 
£1. an acre. His tenancy was from year to year, and the 
occupation is still continued upon the same terms to his 
representative. — Another tenant occupies 50 acres of land 
of precisely the same quaHty, and in a similar situation, for 
which be pays £57. a year, and this is allowed to be the fair 



136 



annual value. In the former case the tenant was an Alder- 
man, and his representative is an Alderman ; in the latter, 
he is unconnected with the corporation. — A meadow, which 
is admitted to be worth £3. per acre, has been let from year 
to year at £1. 5. 2. per acre. This tenant was also an 
Alderman. 

The value of this and of all other property in the borough 
would be considerably improved, and in some situations even 
quadrupled, by the inclosure of the open field lands on 
i which the freemen have a qualified right of common. The 
I corporation are quite aware of its importance, and about 
^ three yeai's ago a committee was appointed to confer with 
I their Eecorder upon the subject. The recorder is lord of 
> the manor. It is stated by the town clerk that the committee 
\ strongly, but ineffectually, urged upon him the advantages 

< which the town would derive fii-om the inclosure, and that 
J they did everything in their power to gain his consent. He 
\ objected to those erections on the waste which have already 
\ been adverted to as the occasions of exclusion from the 
i freedom. Besides this objection, he expressed his intention 

< of adding to his own property in the neighbourhood before 
( he consented to an inclosure; and he has recently been 
\ making new purchases. The town clerk added, there were 
\ other objections of a private nature, which could not be com- 
l municated without a breach of confidence. But without com- 
i municating these objections, he admitted that, by the in- 
l closure, the value of the recorder's property would certainly 
I be increased, and that his political influence in the borough 
s would probably be diminished. 

\ Contingent Eeceipts. 

In addition to the revenue arising from real property, there 
are Contingent Eeceipts from fees and fines. On an average 
of the last ten years the amount annually received on the 
admission of fi-eemen has been ^38. 6. ; but this amount has 
been diminishing, and the average of the last half of that 
period is only £16. 12. 



137 



Income. 
The following is a summary of tlie Chamberlain's * charge' 
during the year 1832-3 :— £, s. d. £, s. d. 

Bents of lands and houses 361 9 6 

butchers' shambles 193 11 

555 6 

ToUs 98 6 

Fines on admission to the freedom and offices 25 

Loans 1800 

Taxed costs in toll cause 486 

Arrearsofrent 12 18 9 

£2976 19 9 

The * abatements craved' by the chamberlain, and allowed, 
amounted to £105. 9. 9. These abatements were chiefly 
on account of shambles unoccupied. 

The Tolls which appear in this charge were collected at 
the markets and fairs tiU March 1832, producing J6150. per 
annum. They have recently been the subject of an expen- 
sive lawsuit, which was decided in favour of the corporation. 
The collection was considered a great burden to the town, 
and in June 1831 a petition for their abolition, signed by a 
considerable number of the inhabitants, was presented to 
the corporation, accompanied by an offer to provide an 
equivalent. — In March 1832 the following resolution was 
passed by the common council : — " That thinking the cor- 
poration have not the power to abolish the said tolls, this 
hall is notwithstanding desirous of meeting the wishes of 
the petitioners by suspending the collection of them." — The 
collection is consequently suspended. 

Other tolls are collected under the authority of the cor- 
poration, for the maintenance of the navigation of the New 
River, which connects Stamford with the Sea. 

Charges and Liabilities. 

The permanent annual charges on this income are : — 

1. Quit rents chargeable on the estates, and amounting- to 
£2, 19s. 8d. 

2. Payments on account of various charities, amounting to £l8. 



138 



14s. 6d. These payments are made on account of several sums re- 
ceived by the corporation at different periods, of which no further 
explanation could be given. 

3. The interest of £100, bequeathed in 1648 by the representa- 
tives of the Countess Dowag-er of Exeter, to be distributed in bread 
to the poor. 

4. An annual payment of £8 to the steward of the races, towards 
finding a town plate. The origin of this charge is unknown. 

Debt. 

In addition to these permanent charges, three life an- 
nuities, amounting to dOlSO., are now charged on the income. 
These were granted in consideration of £2800. advanced to 
the corporation. Of this sum, ^1000. was advanced in 1808, 
and expended in erecting the shambles. In 1830 a further 
sum of ^600. was advanced; and in 1832 the remaining 
^£1200., the whole of which was expended in law proceed- 
ings ; partly in a chancery suit connected with the gram- 
mar-school, but principally in the toll cause. 

There are also two principal debts amounting to ^240., 
on which £6. per cent, interest is paid. One of the two was 
incurred in 1813, when £100. was borrowed for law expenses 
attending a chancery suit to recover possession of the navi- 
gation; and the remaining £140. was borrowed in 1819,. 
for repairs of the town-hall. 

EXPENDITUBE. 

The Expenditure is arranged by the chamberlain under 
the heads of certain and uncertain payments : 

1. Certain Payments : £. s. d. 

Salaries 139 4 10 

Insurance 8 15 

Quit-rents, &c 2 19 8 

Annuities 150 

Interest of Money 47 15 3 

Kates and Taxes 65 6 10^ 

Sundries 114 111 

£528 3 64 



139 



< 2. Uncertain Payments : 

I £. 5. d. 

\ Eepairs 117 4 1 

I Entertainments Ill 10 0^ 

^ Sundries 854 17 1^ 

\ Town Clerk's bill of costs in toll cause .... £ 60 6 7 

S Plaintiffs taxed costs in toll cause 35 

i Costs in nine other causes 1073 9 9 

f Gratuities to corporate officers in the above 

I business 21 

^ Town Clerk's bill for cases and opinions res- 

<r pecting' the manorial rights of the cor- 

^ poration , 62 5 

^ -1251 16 9 

i Subscription towards repairing Saint Michael's church 5 

< Advertising-, &c 5 2 6 

c 

< £2345 10 6 

i The "Interest" includes the permanent annual charges 

^ for charitable purposes. Among the Sundries which appear 

^ in the certain payments, the principal are these : — 

^ £.s.d 

^ Expenses of collecting tolls , 13 

^ Payments out of stallage account 79 6 2 

I de92 6 2 

< Among the sundries in the uncertain payments are these : — 
^ £. s. d. 

\ Balance of last account , 337 15 8 

\ Debts paid off 350 

? Town Clerk's bill for annuity deeds 66 16 8 

^ 

\ £754 12 4 

v^ The accounts are audited by the mayor, aldermen, and 

i six capital burgesses, who are annually appointed for that 

] purpose. The auditors sometimes join in passing their own 

^ bills ; a practice which appears to be no less common than 

s objectionable. 

5 The accounts are not published, nor are the freemen 

c allowed to inspect them. 

c Alienations. 

\ The navigation of the New River has been granted away 

: in perpetuity, at a nominal rent of Is. a year, with a line of 



140 



i £100. payable every 40 years. This grant, whicli is admitted 

\ to have been improvident, was originally made to an Alder- 

< man of the borough. The navigation is said to be very 
^ productive, and about 15 years ago the coi'poration refused 
\ to renew the lease ; but they were compelled to do so by a 
^ decree of the Master of the Eolls. 

^ Other alienations of property have taken jjlace, the extent 

\ of which cannot be ascertained with any certainty. In some 

J cases the amount received is not entered in their books, and 

< in others there is no entry of the sale. 

( In 1796 an estate was sold to the Earl of Exeter for 

\ j£800., and this sum is supposed to have been expended on 

< the houses which are tenanted by the present Marquis. In 
\ 1807 other corporation estates were sold to his trustees: 

< but neither the amount of the purchase-money, nor the pur- 
j poses to which it was applied, are recorded. In the hall- 
I book, which professes to be a record of the corporation 
( proceedings, an order appears to sell the property in question 
\ by auction; which order is followed by a correspondence 
[ with one of the trustees, on the subject of the purchase. 
I The order to sell by auction is then rescinded, and a second 
\ order is made for the sale which actually took place. The 
] only trace gf the purchase-money is an entry in the cham- 
l berlain's account, showing that £110. were received in part 
[ payment. 

^ The total amount which is entered in the books, as the 

^ proceeds of alienations during the last 50 yeai's, is £3661. 

^ The amount not entered is only matter of conjecture. A 

V sum of £780. is supposed to have been received for premises 

^ sold in 1805 ; and in 1808 there was again a sale, but the 

< sum received in this case cannot be assigned even in suppo- 
\ sition. After a sale in 1801, a sum of £920. was invested 
\ in stock ; and of this sum no further account could be given. 
^ It is supposed to have been a temporary investment, and to 
\ have been again sold out for the purpose of defraying the 
\ expense of erecting the new shambles. No stock now be- 
longs to the corporation. The cost of the shambles, inclu- 



i 



141 



> ding that of the premises on which they are built, is supposed 
I to have been £3000. Another sum is said to have been 

> expended on houses in the town, which form a part of the 
I present property. 

\ The appropriation of the proceeds is in every case a matter 

> of conjecture. 

Hospital Funds and Charities. 

The Funds of the following Hospitals are under the con- 
trol of the corporation :>^ — 1. Snowden's Hospital. — 2. All 
Saints' Callis. — 3. Peter Hill Hospital. 

Snowden's Hospital. — The revenue of Snowden's Hospital 
is about £150. a year, derived partly from houses and land 
in the borough, and partly from legacies. One of four 
houses which form a part of the property, is let to the 
Marquis of Exeter. — The expenditure of the last year was 
asfoUows:— M. s. d. 

Weekly payments to eight poor women 38 17 6 

Repairs, &c 22 9 2^ 

Charge omitted in last year's account 9 2 

The balance in hand was, £80. 2. llf . J70 8 8^ 

All Saints' Callis. — The revenue of All Saints' Callis is 
about £60. a year, which is the interest on seven distinct 
bequests to the hospital. This sum is expended partly in 
weekly, half-yearly, and yearly payments, to seven poor 
women who are inmates of the hospital ; and pai-tly in pay- 
ing off an old debt incurred in repairing the building. These 
payments last year amounted to £58. 13., and the debt is 
now reduced to £1. 1. 10. 

Saint Petefs Hill Hospital. — The revenue of Saint Peter's 
Hill is £52. 12. 1. a year which is the interest on four sums 
given or bequeathed to the hospital. — It is expended in 
weekly payments to the eight inmates. 

Chakity Funds. — The other Charity Funds entrusted 
to the Corporation are these : — 
' Walshman's Charity. — The funds of this charity arise from 



142 COR 5 

^ 

s 

I 

houses in the town, wMch now produce £27. a year. — This I 

sum was last year expended thus : — £ s d. ^ 

Payment to the Poor of All Saints , 5 I 

Payment to the Poor of Saint George's 5 ] 

Eepairs,&c , 17 ^ 

f 27 I 

Lady Buck's Money. — This is a small fund of £2. 6. 6. a \ 

year, which is distributed in equal proportions among the I 

poor of All Saints, Saint John's, and Saint Martin's. > 

Exhibition Money. — A sum of iGl42. 10., applicable to I 

this purpose, is in the hands of the mayor. It is called I 

Truesdale's Money. I 

For Coals. — An annual sum of £54. 4. 4. is appropriated ? 

to the purchase of coals for the poor, which are distributed ^ 

by the mayor. > 

Mrs. Chamberlain's Money. — This is the interest of £4X)0, I 

three per cent., bequeathed by Mrs. Chamberlain, in trust l 

for the three hospitals under the control of the corporation, ^ 

jointly with "Williamson's hospital." They each receive > 

£3. a year. ? 

The other gifts and bequests for charitable purposes form ^ 

a part of the hospital revenues, which have been enumerated, i 

Summary and Observations. < 

After furnishing some statistical information of the state ^ 

of the borough, the Keport closes with the following sum- i 

mary of the conclusions to which the Commissioners have ^ 

come from their patient and searching enquiry : — \ 

The freedom of this borough is confined to a small section > 

of the inhabitants, and it confers no constitutional privileges. I 

The freemen have no share either in the election of their I 

officers, or in the management of corporate affairs ; they are > 

not even allowed to inspect the annual accounts of the in- '^ 

come and expenditure. 5 

The appointment of all local functionaries, and the powers ] 

of local government, are entrusted to a select body, composed I 



143 



\ of the Magistracy and Council, and called tlie Corporation. 

J This Governing Body is self-elected, and formed on a prin- 

^ ciple of rigid political exclusion. The political interest in 

J which they are all chosen, and which they may be said to 

\ represent, is that of the Marquis of Exeter, their Eecorder. 

f No opponent of this interest is considered eligible for the 

\ magistracy, for the council, or for any corporate office. 

\ Such an abuse of their electoral trust has alienated from 

\ the municipal authorities a large class of the inhabitants ; 

J and as justice can only be administered by one political 

( party, suspicions are entertained that the same magisterial 

I protection which is afforded to their political fiiends is not 

\ extended to their political opponents. Hence a spirit of 

< hostility to the power and authority of the magistrates, which 
c is strikingly exemphfied in the inefficiency of the local police 
( placed under their control. 

I Such is the indisposition on the part of the inhabitants to 

\ support the legally constituted authorities, that an offender 

^ has been rescued in open day, while 600 persons were 

\ looking on, not one of whom would render any assistance ; 

\ and while the officer was ill-used, the offender was carried 

^ in triumph through the market-place. Nor can this be attri- 

^ buted to any unpopularity attending the offence, for it was 

( unknown to those who effected the rescue. Upon occasions 

I of political excitement, the Police itself cannot be relied 

< upon, and the peace of the town can only be maintained by 
( assistance obtained beyond the precincts of the corporate 

jurisdiction. 

The suspicions of partiality which attach to the municipal 
magistracy extend to the Juries of the borough sessions, 
which are impanelled by the Chief Constable under the con- 
trol of the Town Clerk; and it appeared, in justification of 
these suspicions, that upon a recent occasion of prosecutions 
by the magistrates, for riotous proceedings at an election, 
the grand jury, to whom their bills were presented, had been 
selected from their own party only. 



144 



i This is the working of the present system with reference 

{ to the administration of justice. 

^ In the management of the Town Property, which is un- 

< controlled either hy responsibility or publicity, the same 
^ political influence prevails, accompanied with such official 
I negligence as to leave the extent of the alienations and 
\ appropriations mere matter of conjecture. 

< An estate was sold some years ago to the trustees of the 

< Recorder ; but there is no official entry of the sale, and the 
\ appropriation of the proceeds remains unknown. The only 
J notice of the transaction is a correspondence with the trus- 
^ tees, followed by the rescinding of an order that the estate 
] should be sold by auction. Nor is this a solitary instance. 
^ Other estates have been disposed of in the same way, with- 
i out any account of the proceeds ; and the Navigation, which 

> is said to be very productive, was alienated long ago to an 

< Alderman. 

< Of the property that still remains, a considerable part has 
v been let upon long leases to the Recorder, and is underlet 
\ by him to scot-and-lot tenants, who by these occupations 
; acquire a vote for the borough. Another part is occupied 

> by scot-and-lot tenants, the majority of whom are voters in 
V his interest. A third portion is occupied by Aldermen, upon 
s terms more favourable to themselves than to the revenues 
I of the town. These revenues, however, are not expended 
I on objects of local utility, and their amount is consequently 

< of little local importance. 

< They are now charged with a debt contracted in expensive 
i law proceedings to establish a title to tolls, which have since 
I been abandoned. The tolls produced i6l50. a year, and the 
? annual charge arising out of these proceedings is ^£120. 

a year. 

The value of all property in the town and its neighbour- 
hood would be materially improved by the inclosure of the 
open field lands, which extend over a considerable portion of 
the borough. The interests of the Corporation, both collec- 
tively and individually, ai'e in this case identified with those 



145 



of tlie inhabitants, and they have urged upon their Recorder 
the local importance of the inclosure ; but although his own 
property would be improved, as well as that of the whole 
community, he will not consent to the improvement at the 
expense of his political influence. He objects to the recent 
extension of buildings upon the waste, which have led to an 
extension of the electoral franchise unfavourable to that in- 
fluence; and there were other objections which the corporate 
authorities were not at liberty to communicate. 

The defects and abuses which appear in the working of 
the Constitution may be summed up thus : — The great ma- 
jority of the respectable inhabitants are excluded from the 
corporate body; the freemen are excluded from any control 
over the local functionaries ; and the political opponents of 
the Recorder are excluded from the magistracy and council. 

Under this exclusive system, the administration of justice 
is suspected, the police totally inefficient, and the town pro- 
perty mismanaged; while the influence of the municipal 
functionary in whose political interest the council is elected, 
the magistracy appointed, and every office is filled, so far 
from being exercised in promoting the local interests of the 
borough, is exercised to check the natural progress of im- 
provement. GEORGE LONG. 

JOHN BUCKLE. 

On the 8th of August, 1835, the Corporation petitioned 
a-gainst the Municipal Reform Bill, w^hich however received 
the Royal assent, Sept. 9th, the same year; and at noon on 
the 1st of January, 1836, terminated this Ancient and Loyal 
Corporation. 

The following is a list of the Corporation on its dissolution 
in 1835. 



MAYOR. 

Francis Butt 

ALDERMEN. 

Henry Parker West 
Francis Simpson 
Thomas MiUs 
Robert Hunt 



John Davis 
William Hunt 
Matthew Hooe 
Horatio Thos. Gilchrist 
Edward Askew 
Francis Jelley 
John Roden 
Henry Weldon 



146 



CAPITAL BURGESSES. 



Richard Newcomb 
James Greenwood 
Charles Neal Fox 
Charles Lowe 
Jas. Sebastian "Willimott 
Edward Thorpe 
Eobert Stevenson 
Charles Carteret 
Edwai'd BeU Drury 
Charles Terry Dobson 
Henry Mortlock 



The vacancies caused by the death 
promotion of Henry Weldon, were not 



William Whitby 
William Burdett 
Charles Haycock 
Thomas Edw. Pawlett 
Eobert Hunt. jun. 
James Torking-ton, jun. 
Francis Simpson, jun. 
Bichard Thompson 
Henry Charles Handson 
James Althorp 
George Manton 

of Thomas Haynes, and the 
filled up. 



The following Borough Seal has been used by all the 
Municipal Corpomtions of Stamford from 1470 to the present 
time (1846), 




147 



I New Corporation. — This Corporation is elected by tlie i 

^ Burgesses (see Burgesses), for which purpose the Borough > 

I is divided into two Wards, viz. — All Saints (comprising the } 

i parishes of All Saints, Saint George, and Saint Martin,) ■> 

^ whi«h returns twelve Councillors; and Saint Mary's (com- I 

< prising the parishes of Saint Mary, Saint Michael, and l 
^ Saint John,) which returns six Councillors. One third of > 

< the Council go out of of&ce annually by rotation on the 1st ^ 
\ of November, when the burgesses of All Saints' ward elect > 
^ four, and those of Saint Mary's two, to fill up the vacancies. > 
s The qualification of Councillor is — to be possessed of pro- I 
\ perty to the amount of ^500., or to be rated at £16. annual I 
\ value. There are also six Aldermen elected by the Council, \ 

< either from their own body or from the burgesses at large : > 
^ the Aldermen continue in office for six years, — three retiring i 

< every third year. The Aldermen and Councillors (twenty- < 
( four) constitute the Corporation ; and this body, on the 9th ^ 
c of every November, elect the Mayor (who must be one of e 
\ the body,) and other officers for the year ensuing. There ? 
} is now no procession to church and no banquet; but the > 
i mayor usually gives a dinner to his corporate brethren \ 

\ shortly before the termination of his office. \ 

< > 

I The offices under the Municipal Keform Act are — I 

c > 

< The Mayor, whose duties ai*e to preside at the Council, > 
f Committee, and Magistrates' meetings, Eeturning Officer at \ 
( elections of Members of Parliament and at Municipal elec- > 
^ tions. Salary, £50. for the year; out of which he pays for I 

< ringing on the Queen's birth-day, and some other incidental > 
^ expenses. ] 
'> Six Aldermen, who are merely members of the Town ] 
I Council. Privileges : elected by the Council and retain the \ 
\ title and seat for six years. > 
X Eighteen Councillors, elected by the burgesses on the 1st \ 

< of November eveiy year ; they continue in office three years, > 
\ six retiring annually ; they are eligible for re-election. They > 
\ have no privileges, and are fined for not attending meetings. \ 



148 



Two Revising Assessors, wlio, with the Mayor, revise the { 

Burgess Lists eveiy October. They are, with the other < 

Assessors and Auditors, elected by the Burgesses on the 1st \ 

of March annually. \ 

Two Assessors for each Ward, whose duties are to hold ( 

the courts (with the Mayor) for all Municipal elections. { 

There are also Tivo Assessor's for the ivhole Borough, whose \ 

duties are not defined. \ 

Two Auditors, who (with a third ai^pointed by the Mayor,) ^ 

examine the accounts of the Treasurer twice a year. \ 

All the above officers must be qualified as Councillors. \ 



Recorder, — John Hildyard, Esq., barrister of the Middle I 

Temple.— Salary, £42. < 

Toivn Clerk and Clerk of the Peace, — James Torkington, < 

gent. — Salary, £100. { 

Treasurer, — William Reed, until he resigned in 1838, < 

when Robert Sandall was appointed. — Salary, £20. j 

Surveyor, — James Richardson. — Salary, £20. \ 

Chaplain to the Gaol,—'ReY. F. H. Brett.— Salary, £25. f 

Clerk to Magistrates, — Nathaniel Fai'rant — Fees only. ^ 

The same person also holds the offices^ of Second Sergeant $ 

at Mace, £3. 3.; and Inspector of Weights and Measures, £6. S 

Chief Constable, — ^^Villiam Reed, £75. and Fees. — First \ 

Sergeant at Mace, £ 5 . ; Inspector of Weigh ts ^ Measures, £5 • \ 

Gaoler, — John Hewerdine, appointed in 1842, on the re- < 

signation of NathanierFarrant. — Salaiy, £75. ^ 

Matron, — Mary Colston. — Salaiy, £25. < 

Beadle, Crier, Police, ^c, < 

< 

The elections for Town Councillors have often been con- \ 

verted into political contests, and very severe struggles have ^ 

been the result ; vaiious resources having been occasionally \ 

pursued on both sides to ensure victory. ^ 

The first election of Councillors took place on the 26th \ 

of December, 1835 : and, after a shai'p contest, the following < 

gentlemen were chosen for c 



149 



ALL SAINTS' WAED. 



W. L. Hopkinson, M.D. . . 309 

T. G. Arnold, M.D 294 

Fras. Bum 275 

Benj. Cooper 248 

H. T. Gilchrist 237 

Thos. Mills 233 



Hy. Weldon 228 \ 

Fras. Simpson 220 I 

Eobt. Hunt 218 ] 

Fras. Jelley 215 I 

Ed'w. HatfieW' 208 ] 

Mark W. Jackson 207 \ 



SAINT MAEY'S WAED. 



John Eoden 144 

Jos. Phillips 142 

Bd. Newcomb* 141 



Thos. JV. Ashhy* 118 \ 

Matt. Eooe 108 ) 

Nicholas C. Stevenson .... 107 ) 



> * The ' liberaV Candidates are denoted by italics. 

I The New Council met on tlie 31st of December, and 
elected Messrs. Simpson, Mills, K. Hunt, W. Hunt, Wm. 
Chadwick, and Chas. Lowe, to the offices of Aldermen ; and 
on the first of January, 1836, the Town Council elected 
William Landen Hopkinson, M.D., of Saint Martin's, to he 
the first Mayor. 

On the 9th of January, 1836, another election took place 
for three Councillors to fill up the room of those who had 
^ been made Aldermen: the successful candidates were — 
\ James H. Fysh, Timothy Lincoln, and Henry TehhutU 

> The first business of the new body was to make alterations 
5 in the Police force, which led to the establishment of the 
< present system, 

i In April, the Secretary of State appointed John Eoden, 

> William Hunt, Richard Newcomb, James Henry Fysh, and 
\ Henry Weldon, to be Justices for life ; and William Landen 
\ Hopkinson, the Mayor, to be a Justice for two years, and the 

Recorder during office. 

In June, King William IV granted a separate court of 
Quarter Sessions, and John Hildyard, Esq., late deputy 
Recorder, was chosen Recorder at 40 guineas per annum. 

In June, the Marquis of Exeter commenced a suit in 
Chancery against the New Corporation, to recover the stall- 
age which he alleged to be his : although the town had 



150 



derived an income from this source for a great number of 
years, it appeared to the Council that Mr. Fras. Butt, during 
his mayoralty, had acknowledged Lord Exeter's claim, and 
they therefore gave up the stallage, on the 23rd of Novem- 
ber. The Council then procured a valuation of all the 
Corporate property, which was as follows : — 

A Valuation of the Property belonging to the Corporation 
of Stamford, consisting of Houses, Premises, Lands, and all 
other Property, situated in Stamford, in the county of Lin- 
coln, by B. Browning and Wm. Hack, taken October, 1837. 

Houses and Tenements. 
No. Value, 

1. A Messuage or Tenement in Scotgate, in the £. s. d. 

parish of Saint John in Stamford, now in the 
occupation of Dorothy Mewse, widow .... 85 

2. A Messuage or Tenement in Scotgate, in the 

parish of Saint John in Stamford, now in the 
occupation of Thomas Sharpe 40 

3. Fourteen Messuages or Tenements and Pre- 

mises, situate in Scotgate, in the parish of 
Saint John in Stamford, called or known by 
the name of the New Buildings 1450 

4. The Butchers' Shambles (consisting of 53 

Stalls), together with the Fish and Green 
Markets, Watch-house, DweUing-house of 
the Beadle, Engine-house, &c,, in the parish 
of Saint Michael in Stamford . c 2800 

5. The Sheep Pens, in the parish of All Saints 

and Saint John in Stamford, now let to Mr. 

Hemy Hayes 170 

6. The Pig Market and Building in North-street, 

parish of Saint Michael, Stamford, now occu- 

l)ied by Thomas Woodwai-d 100 

7. A House and Premises, situated in Saint 

George's-street, in the parish of St. George, 



151 



No. Value. 

Stamford, now in the occupation of Widow £. s. d. 

Bossingliam 36 

8. A House and Premises, situate in St. George's- 

street, in tlie pai-ish of Saint George in Stam- 
ford, (adjoining No. 7,) now in the occupa- 
tion of Edward Jones 3& 

9. A House and Premises in Eed Lion-square, in 

the parish of Saint John in Stamford, now in 

the oceupation of William Smith 315 

10. A House and Premises in Red Lion-square, in 

the parish of Saint John in Stamford, (ad- 
joining No. 9,) and also a Piece of Meadow \ 
Land, 2 Roods and 24 Perches, in the pai'ish ] 

of J now in the occupation of Isaac ^ 

Lumby 270 \ 

N,B. The Houses and Tenements under the ^ 

Nos. 7, 8, 9, and 10, are on Lease to Henry I 

Earl of Exeter for a term of sixty-one years, I 

commencing the 29th of December, 1800, at I 

a yearly rental of £14. j 

11. House, Offices, Garden, &c., situated in Saint I 

Mai'/s-street, in the parish of Saint Mary in > 

Stamford, now in the occupation of John ] 

Chapman, Esq 900 ] 

12. House, Offices, Garden, &c., situated in Saint \ 

Mary's- street, in the parish of Saint Maiy in \ 

Stamford, now in the occupation of Mrs. Mc > 

Guffog 695 I 

13. House, Offices, Garden, &c., situated in Saint > 

Mar/s-street, in the parish of Saint Mary > 

in Stamford, now in the occupation of > 

Graham PhiUipson 455 \ 

N.B. The Houses, Offices, and Gardens under ] 

the Nos. 11, 12, and 13, are under Lease to \ 

the Earl of Exeter for a term of sixty-one > 



153 



IS^o. Value, 

years, commencing Lady-day, 1784, at a £. s. d. 
rental of ^20. per annum. 

There is also an Annuity or Rent Charge of 
£4. 10. per annum payable out of the before- 
mentioned Premises, Nos. 11, 12, and 13. 

14. Three Messuages or Tenements, situate in 

Saint Mary's Passage, in the parish of Saint 
Mary in Stamford, in the occupation of 
James Cole, George Littledyke, and John 
Eeedman 320 

N.B, This Property is on Lease to Brownlow 
Earl of Exeter for a tei*m of sixty-one years, 
commencing Lady-day, 1784, at a rental of 
^17. per annum. 

15. The Water Corn Mill (called Hudd's Mills), 

situated in the parish of Saint George in 
Stamford, and a Parcel of Land belonging 
to the said Mill, containing Three Acres or 
thereabouts, now in the occupation of Robert 
Palmer 1600 

N.B. This Mill and Land (No. 15) are on 
Lease to Mr. John Clifton, of Bourn, in the 
county of Lincoln, for the term of 21 years, 
commencing 29th September 1825, at a 
yearly rental of £80. 

16. The River Welland, granted by the Mayor, 

Aldermen, and Capital Burgesses of Stam- 
ford to Felix Buckley, of Cobham Lodge, in 
the county of Surrey, Esq., for forty years, 
Commencing Michaelmas, 1823, on payment 
of a fine of ^100., and the yearly rent of one 
shilling 25 



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I A survey of the Fields within the Borough was also made. 

> — See Dunn's Survey. 

I Messrs. Browning and Hack likewise made a valuation 

s of the whole Borough for the purposes of rating. — See 

\ Assessment, 

I The sum of £1134. was found to be due to the various 

\ Charities over which the Old Corporation were Trustees ; 

? and their other debts amounted to j£1697. ^ 

> On the 1st of November, 1836, after a severe struggle, < 
s the following Councillors were elected, viz. — All Saints' < 
I Ward, F. Jelley 224, M. W. Jackson 219, H. Whincup 202, | 
I J. C. Grant 199 : Saint Mary's, M. Kooe 117, C.White 109. \ 

> On the 11th of February, 1837, the Lord Chancellor con- 
\ firmed the appointment of the Charity Trustees, who were 
i now a body independent of the Corporation. — See Charities. 
I On the 17th of October, it was proposed to sell the Cor- 
l poration regalia and punch-bowl, but the motion was nega- 
l tived by 5 to 3 ; the other Councillors dechning to vote. 
) On the first of November, another Municipal contest took 
I place, which ended in the return of Edw. Hatfield 214, 
I Jas. H. Fysh 202, Thos. W. Ashhy 198, and John Oswin 
\ 173, for All Saints' Ward; and Hen. Tehhutt 142, and Ed, 
\ Newcomb 139, for Saint Mary's Ward, 
s The Council applied to the Lords of the Treasury for 
< leave to sell part of the estates for the purpose of paying off 

> some mortgages, but their application was refused. 
I On the 12th of October, 1838, some of the lands which 
t had been let to the late Mr. Aid. Lowe for 16s. per acre, were 

> let by auction to Mr. Thos. Pilkinton for 30s. per acre, 
s On the first of November, another contest for the office of 
^ Town Councillors took place, and the election terminated in 
; the return of the following gentlemen : — For All Saints' Ward, 
I W. L. Hopkinson 229, B. Cooper 216, E. Cayley 215, F. 

> Butt 187 : St. Mary's Ward, J. Phillips 149, T. G. Arnold 146. 
I In May, 1839, the Town Council borrowed £1400. of the 
I Kev. C. Cookson and Mr. Jas. Torkington, for the purpose of 

> paying the remaining debts incurred by the Old Corporation. 



159 



On the first of November, the six Councillors who were 
elected in 1836 were re-elected, though not without opposition. 

In August, 1840, Mr. Torkington sent to the Council a 
claim for an annuity of i991. 3. 10., and arrears from the 
passing of the Municipal Corporations Act in 1835, as com- 
pensation for the loss of the office of Clerk to the Magistrates. 
The Council resisted the claim on the ground that the Town 
Clerk's salary had been increased from £4. to £100. in con- 
sequence of the other offices being separated from the 
duties of the Town Clerk. 

This case, after passing through the hands of the Lords 
of the Treasury, was tried at Lincoln before Lord Abinger 
in July, 1843, when a verdict was given in favour of the 
Corporation: it was afterwards several times before the 
Court of Queen's Bench, and was again referred to the Lords 
of the Treasury, where it now remains. 

In 1841, the town again became involved in an expensive 
law-suit, arising from the excesses of a servant from 
Burghley House, named William Collins Cooke, who came 
to the Midlent Fair. Francis Mitchel, a policeman, attempted 
to take Cooke into custody, when Cooke struck him, and 
Mitchel having obtained the assistance of John Blades, 
another policeman, took Cooke to the High-street station- 
house, and before the Magistrates on the following morning 
(Saturday), where Cooke begged pardon and prayed to be let 
oflf, saying that if it came to Lord Exeter's ears he should be 
discharged. The Magistrates having 56 charges to hear, 
decided that his case should be taken in due course ; but 
from the pressure of business, it was further postponed till 
Monday ; he was therefore admitted to bail to appear Cn that 
day, when Cooke surrendered, and was fined £2. for one 
charge and £1. for another; but the Sessions occurring on the 
intervening Saturday, Mr. William Thompson, solicitor, on 
the part of Cooke, preferred a bill of indictment before the 
Grand Jury, and a true bill was returned against Mitchel 
and Blades for an assault upon Cooke. The trial was tra- 
versed to the Midsummer Sessions, and subsequently to 



160 



I Lincoln assizes ; but Cooke, at the same Sessions, appealed 

^ against the convictions of the Magistrates, when the Court 

s confirmed the assault on Mitchel, but quashed the conviction 

for assaulting Blades. Mr. James Atter was solicitor on the 

part of the Magistrates, and Mr. Whitehurst, Q.C conducted 

the case. 

At Lincoln Assizes in July, the jury gave a verdict "that 
the defendants were right in taking Cooke into custody, but 
that they used too much violence." This verdict was after- 
wards set aside in Queen's Bench, the Judges being of 
opinion that the case should have been tried at Northamp- 
ton, the assault being committed in that county. The death 
of Cooke, shortly after this decision, terminated the pro- 
ceedings. 

William Thompson, gent., solicitor, then brought an 
action against the Borough Treasurer for paying the expenses 
in defending the policemen: judgment was given against 
the Corporation because the order for payment was made by 
the Council instead of the Watch Committee. 

At the election of Councillors in November, 1845, an 
opposition was again stirred up ; but so unexpectedly, that 
the old Councillors thought themselves safe until the after- 
noon. At the close of the poll, the following were declared 
elected:— For All Saints' Ward, Fras. Jelley 125, Jos. C. 
Grant 125, Hy. Whincup 124, Wm. Smith 123 : for Saint 
Mary's Ward, Wm. Wright 78, and John Lumby 78. 

Corporation Regalia. — The large mace was presented by 
Charles Bertie, Esq., M.P. for Stamford ; it is handsomely 
wrought of silver, gilt over: it weighs 201b. 6oz, 15dr. 
avoirdupois, and is supposed to have cost MlbO. The Latin 
inscription on it has been thus rendered: — 

" The gift of the noble Charles Bertie, son of Montague, Earl of 
Lindsey, who presented this ancient Borough of Stamford (by whose 
favour he now has a seat in Parliament to represent the said borough) 
with this official mark of Mayoralty, to be for ever borne as a token 
of his regard. In the Mayoralty of Daniel Wigmore, and the year 
of our Lord 1678." 



161 



The smaller mace weighs 41b. 7oz. 5dr. avoirdupois, and 
is supposed to have cost ^40.: it was renewed at the charge 
of the Corporation in the year 1660. There is also a 
third mace, very small, of ancient and curious workmanship, 
but which is never used. 

The same Charles Bertie, Esq., also gave to the Corpora- 
tion a silver punch-bowl, with a cover and ladle, curiously 
chased and embossed, holding five gallons. It weighs 161b. 
7oz. 5dr. avoirdupois, and is supposed to have cost about 
^120. The Latin inscription around it has been thus 
translated : — 

*• Charles Bertie, the brother of Eobert, son of Montague, a de- 
scendant of the Earls of Lindsay, hereditary Lord Chamberlains of 
England, who was twice chosen to represent this borough of Stam- 
ford in Parliament, viz., in 1673 and in 1685, in both which years 
Daniel Wigmore was Mayor of the said borough, gratefully presents 
and dedicates to the said Daniel Wigmore, the present Mayor, and 
his successors for ever, the Bowl, in which the inhabitants of Stam- 
ford may commemorate both their allegiance towards the Kings of 
Great Britain, and also the friendship which the Bertie family had 
for them. In the year of our Lord 1685." 

And Sir Christopher Clapham, Knight, captain of a troop 
of volunteers in Stamford, in 1658, when he was presented 
with the freedom of the borough, gave, to pass from one 
chief magistrate to another, a large silver cup weighing 35 
ounces. On one side of it are engraved the arms of the 
town, and on the other those of the donor. — See Bertie. 

Court of Pie-pouclre, — This court is incident to every 
fair, and is so called " from its expeditious proceedings in 
the decisions of all controversies that happen in fairs, where, 
for the encouragement of all traders resorting to the same, 
justice is as quickly administered as dust can faU from the 
feet." It is named in the charter of James II, in 1685. 

Court of Eecord* — By an ancient inspeximus, it was 
granted to the Alderman and Burgesses to hold a Court of 
Pleas of all actions, real, personal, or mixed, from the lowest 
sum to £40. ; by which a creditor who resides in the bo- 
rough has power to arrest any person indebted to that amount 



162 



y (but the said debtor must be caugbt within the borough, \ 

j though he need not be a resident), and hold him to bail, as \ 

I in the Superior Courts, until the debt be paid. Actions on i 

< service of process were often settled instanter at the cost of \ 
\ 6s. 8d., and upon arrest at 15s. 8d. There have been no \ 
\ suits in this court since the passing of the Municipal Eeform < 
[ Act in 1835. The Recorder was judge, and Mr. Nathaniel < 
\ Farrant clerk. It is yet a matter of uncertainty whether the \ 

< court may not be legally revived. > 

^ Crier. — This officer wears the same uniform as the Beadle ; > 

\ he is appointed by the Corporation; he had no salary until \ 

< 1845, when he was allowed £1. 10. per annum. The crier > 
^ has commonly four-pence from a freeman, and six-pence from > 
\ others for crying goods lost; but for sales, statutes, &c., ^ 
^ one shilling : these prices are, however, only customary, and • \ 
\ not fixed by the Corporation. \ 
{ Cromwell, Oliver. — This great Eepublican General, with \ 

< his army, paid Stamford an unwelcome visit in 1643, after > 
\ having taken Croyland Abbey and plundered Peterborough \ 
\ Cathedral. It is believed that Lady Frances Wingfield (who \ 
{ resided in a house in Saint Martin's, now occupied by Miss > 
^ Booth, and who was related to Cromwell,) was the means > 
\ of preventing him from burning the town. \ 

< Cross {Queen Eleanor' s), — erected in Scotgate, 1293: \ 
^ there is no question that one of the numerous crosses > 

< erected to the memory of this Queen was raised in Stamford, s 
i but all trace of the site is lost. \ 

< Cross (Maiden's). — IMr. Peck speaks of Maiden's Cross, \ 

< which he supposes to have been built about 1290, by two \ 

< maiden sisters, who (tradition says) erected Saint Michael's \ 

< church. It stood in Wothorpe meadow ; but the exact site \ 

> of this is also unknown. \ 

> Cross (Market). — This cross was a lai'ge square building \ 
I in the Broad-street, opposite to Ironmonger-street; the s 
^ column in the centre was of stone, about 25 feet high, and s 
\ surmounted by a large gilt ball ; the roof, which was of lead, > 



163 



was supported by four smaller columns at the corners. The 
cross was t£iken down about 1796. 

Croyland Abbey was founded by Ethelbald, King of Mer- 
cia, in 716. Burnt by the Danes in 870. Ee-founded by 
King Edred in 948. Destroyed by fire in 1091. Ee-built 
in 1112. Burnt and re-built again between 1142 and 1170: 
after which it continued in great splendour until its disso- 
lution, when the annual revenue, according to Speed, was 
J61217. 5. 11. ; an enormous sum in those days. The small 
part which now remains is used as the parish church. 

Croyland Bridge. — This curious triangular bridge is sup- 
posed to have been built about 860. 

Cumberland, Richard, — was born in the parish of St. 
Anne, near Aldersgate, London, and was a fellow of Magda- 
len CoUege, Cambridge. In 1672, he published, at London, 
a confutation of the principles maintained by Hobbes, called 
"Z)e Legibus Natures disquitio Philosophica, ^c.-," and in 
1686, "An Essay towards the Recovery of the Jewish Mea- 
sures and Weights." The " Origines Gentum Antiquissimce,'* 
and " Sanchoniatho's Phoenician Histoiy," were also the pro- 
ductions of the same learned author. 

His friend. Sir Orlando Bridgeman, upon receiving the 
seals in the year 1667, sent for him up to London, made him 
his chaplain, and soon afterwards presented him to the living 
of All Hallows (All Saints), in Stamford. In this situation 
Dr. Cumberland discharged his pastoral functions with inde- 
fatigable assiduity, preaching no less than three times every 
week in the same church, and yet devoting no small share 
of his attention to philosophical and philological studies. 
After the publication of his celebrated work on the Jewish 
Weights and Measures, he lived a contented recluse at his 
rectory, without expecting or perhaps even hoping greater 
preferment. In this situation, walking on a post-day to the 
coffee-house, to read the newspaper, it was with no small 
surprise that he therein met with the intelligence, that one 
Dr. Cumberland, of Stamford, was nominated to the bishop- 
ric of Peterborough. This took place in the year 1691, and 



164 



it reflects great honour on King William III, that he ap- j 

pointed a man of such assiduity and exemplary piety to fulfil \ 

so exalted a station. The bishop possessed that see nearly } 

thirty years, and was buried in the cathedral there in 1718. I 

Oust (Family of). — See Brownlow ($r St. George's Church, \ 

Danes. — This nation of plunderers, in 871, conquered \ 

Stamford, Derby, Lincoln, Leicester, and Nottingham; and \ 

as these were their five great cities, the inhabitants were \ 

called Fif burgenses by way of excellence. The inhabitants \ 

of these cities were all Danes, the English being their \ 

servants. — See Battles. < 

Deanery of Stamford. — It is not known when this office > 

was created ; but the first Dean to be found mentioned in > 

any records was in 1170 ; and in 1230, one Alexander held \ 

the office. The present Dean is the Eev. T. Kaye Bonney, > 

D.D., and Archdeacon of Lincoln. Camden says, — "the \ 

Stamford Deanery contains \ 

£. s. d. I 

V. Of Saint Martin, Stamford 7 13 8 ) 

r. of Saint Mary of the same 4 18 7 | 

r. of Saint John of the same 4 10 10 \ 

r. of AU Saints of the same 3 10 10 

r. of Saint Peter of the same 8 17 8 \ 

r. of Saint Clements of the same .... 3 17 8 \ 

r. of Saint Michael 4 3 2 

V. of Saint Andi'ew 1 12 1 \ 

V. of Saint George 3 10 6 \ 

r. of Saint Paul 1 13 4 \ 

r. of Saint Stephen 2 18 7 

r. of Stamford 9 18 7 \ 

V. of Weston 10 

r. of Serenby 16 10 2 

r. of Gandby 6 11 4 

r. of Cathoi-p 20 11 10" 

DEyncourt (Right Hon. Charles Tennyson). — ^Assumed, 
by Royal licence, 31st of July, 1835, the name of D'Eyncourt 
in addition to and after that of Tennyson, to commemorate 



105 



his descent from the ancient and noble house of D'Eyncourt, 
as the co-heir of the Earls of Scarsdale and Barons D'Eyn- 
court. Was returned for Great Grimsby in 1818 and 1820 ; 
for Bletchingley in 1826 and 1830; for Stamford in 1831; 
and for Lambeth in 1832; which seat he has retained, 
though opposed at each general election. Appointed Clerk 
of the Ordnance in 1830, which he resigned in 1832: 
brought forward a motion in the session of 1835 for shorten- 
ing the duration of Parliaments, when the numbers were, — 
ayes 237, noes 187. Made an ineffectual attempt in 1827 to 
transfer the franchise from East Retford to Birmingham. 
He is son of the late George Tennyson, Esq., of Medby. 
Married the only child of the Rev. John Katton. Is uncle 
to the Lady of the Hon. G. F. Hamilton, only son of Viscount 
Boyne, and of Wm. Russell, Esq., of Brancepeth Castle, 
Durham. His mansion is called Bayon's Manor, near Market 
Rasen. — See Elections, 

Domesday Book was made by William the Conqueror in 
six years, and was a general survey of all the lands in the 
kingdom, their extent in each district, their proprietors, 
tenures, value, the quantity of meadow, pasture, wood, and 
arable land, which they contained ; and in some counties the 
number of tenants, cottagers, and slaves, of all denominations, 
who lived upon them. He appointed commissioners for this 
purpose, who entered every particular in their register by the 
verdict of juries. All the lands in England are described in 
it, excepting Northumberland, Cumberland, Westmorland, 
the bishoprick of Durham, and part of Lancashire. This 
monument, the most valuable piece of antiquity possessed 
by any nation, is still preserved in the Chapter House at 
Westminster. 

The following are extracts relating to Stamford : — 
*' The King's Borough of Stanford paid the geld in the time of 
King Edward (the confessor, i. e. between 1042 and 1066) for twelve 
hundreds and a half in the army and navy and in Danegeld,* There 

* Danegeld was a tax paid by the Saxon Kings to the Danes, in 
order to secure them from invasion. 



166 



were then, aiid at the time of the Conqueror's survey, six wards; 

five in Lincolnshire, and a sixth, which was beyond the bridge, in 

Northamptonshire, and yet rendered all customs with the others, 

except rent and toll, which the Abbot of Peterborough had formerly 

and at the time of the survey. 

^ "In the five wards, in the time of King Edward, were 141 houses, 

< and half a miU, which rendered all customs ;» and there were as 

S many at the survey, except five, which were waste, on account of 

> the building of the castle. 

> " In these wards, at the survey, were six houses, which, in the 
^ time of King Edward, paid all customs, but at the survey did not 
S pay : Brand had four ; Ulchotel, the son of Merewine, had two. 

> " In these wards there were 77 houses of socmen,* who had their 
I lands in demesne, and who chose their lords when they pleased ; 
I (and) upon whom the King had nothing else but the emendation of 
\ their forfeiture (i. e. fines for offences), heriot,t and toll, and one 
I mill of thirty shillings (yearly), which he took from Eustace de 
] Huntedune (Huntingdon). It was a socman's. 

\ *' In Stanford, in the time of King Edward, were 12 lagemen, who 

> had mthin their houses and over their men sac and soc, except geld, 
; and heriot, and forfeiture of their bodies, amounting to forty ores of 
I silver, and except robbery. This they had also at the time of the 
^ survey : but there were then only nine of them. One of them had 

> 17 houses under him, and half a miU of fifteen shillings (yearly) ; 
I another had 14 houses, one of which was waste ; a third had two 

> houses; a fourth, two and a half; a fifth, five; a sixth, four; a 
I seventh, three ; an eighth, one ; a ninth, three, but Hugh Musard 

> had taken two from him. 

I " In these wards, at the time of the survey, were 22 houses and 
] two churches, with twelve acres of land of fourteen shillings (yearly), 
\ which Ernuim, the priest, had in the time of King Edward, and 

> Ezi had then one house. Eudo Dapefir had these 23 houses at the 

> time of the survey. Upon these the King had before him all custom : 
^ but then he had not. 

" In the same Azor had in the time of King Edward 7 houses and 
half a mill. At the surv'ey Gunfrid de CiochesJ had them; and 
there pertained to them 70 acres of land out of the vill. 

* Sac signifies a power granted by the King to judge causes. Soc 
is the place where such power is exercised, though it sometimes 
means the privilege itself. Socmen were tenants within the extent 
of such place, and fi-eeholders who paid a yearly rent instead of per- 
forming knights' services. 

t Heriot then signified a tribute given by the tenant to the lord 
for his better preparation towards war, but afterwards the best 
cattle the tenant left at his death, which the same lord claimed. 
t Lord of Casewick. 



1C7 



^ "Edward Cild had formerly 14 houses, and 70 acres out of the 

[ vill. At the survey, the Countess Judith had them. 

c "Queen Edith had formerly 70 houses, which were situate in 

< Kotelande (Rutland), with all customary prestations, besides what 
I the bakers paid. To these lay two carucates* of land and an half, 
\ and they plowed one carucate and (had) 45 acres of meadow out of 

< the \ill. This (property) King- William had at the time of the sur- 
l vey, and it was worth six pounds (yearly). In the time of King 

< Edward, it was worth four pounds. 

> " The Abbot of Peterborough had before, and at the time of the 
c survey, in Stanford, 10 houses, appertaining to Lincolnshire, and 

< one mill of 40 shillings (yearly), and five shillings (yearly rent) of 
i houses, and eight acres (of land). 

? *' Lewin had formerly 9 houses, which Aluredt had at the survey. 

( Also LeTvin had one house and all custom besides the geld ; which 

\ "Wido de Bedbudcurt$ had at the time of the survey. 

^ "Eastolf had formerly one church acquitted of the King with 

< eight acres. 

\ " Albert had formerly one church of Saint Peter, with two houses 

< and half a carucate of land, which lay at the survey in Hotelandc, 
^ in Hemeldune (Hambleton), worth ten shillings (yearly). 

i " The King had out of the vill in Lincolnshire 600 acres of arable 

I land. 

\ " The lagemen and burgesses had 272 acres, besides all custom. 

^ *'In the time of King Edward, Stanford produced 15 pounds 

S (yearly to the King). At the suiTey, (being let,) at farm, 50 pounds 

\ (yearly). 

> " At the survey from all the King's customs it produced 28 pounds 
^ yearly.— rom. 1. p. 336. b. 

\ " In Portland, I the King, at the time of the survey, had, in de- 

\ mesne, two carucates, and two parts of a thii-d carucate, and 12 acres 

< of meadow. To the church of Saint Peter lay one carucate of land, 
I and to the church of All Saints half a carucate. Portland, with the 
\ meadow, in the time of King Edward, paid 48 shillings, and 10 shil- 
lings for rugs, for the King's sumpter horses. Upon these (lands) 
the King ought to have nine pounds, and (there are) 12 shillings 
for t*he other issues of the borough." — Tom. 1. p. 219. b, — See Sai7it 
Martin's Parish and JFothorpe, 

* A carucate is as much arable land as a plough could till in a 
year, computed at 60, 80, 100, 112, 160, or 180 acres, differing ac- 
cording to place and time. 

t Lord of part of Uffington and Casewick. 

X Lord of WiUoughby and Syston. 

l Portland signifies borough land. 



168 



> Dorcas Chanty. — See Subscription Charities. 

< Earthquakes. — In 1070, a very alarming earthquake was 

^ felt all over England. On the SSrd of August, 1750, Stam- 

l ford, among other places, was visited by the shock of an 

> earthquake : it extended itself to Coventry, Derby, Notting- 
^ ham, and Newark; thence to Harborough, Northampton, 
I Kutland, Stamford, along the Lincolnshire coast, and the 
^ whole of the Isle of Ely to Bury, in Suffolk. It was attended 
I with a loud crack, and continued some seconds. On the 
/ 27th of February, 1792, Stamford and several of the neigh- 
i bouring villages again felt the shock of an earthquake. On 
I the 8th of December, 1837, between 11 and 12 o'clock at 
I night, another shock was felt at Stamford and the neighbour- 
s hood. On the 12th of June, 1844, about 7 o'clock in the 
I evening, another earthquake was felt at this place and the 

> suiTounding villages : it was accompanied with a rumbling 
^ noise resembling distant thunder, and the houses even vi- 
s brated. In April, 1845, a shock of an earthquake was also 
I felt, which extended to King's Cliffe, Castor, Huntingdon, 

> and their immediate neighbourhoods. 

I Earl of Stamford. — The castle and town of Stamford was 

> granted by Queen Elizabeth to William Cecil, first Lord 
; Burghley ; from him they descended to Ann daughter and 
^ co-heir of William Earl of Exeter, who married Henry Grey, 
^j Baron of Groby, Leicestershire, created Earl of Stamford, 
I March 26, 1628. In 1747, the Earl of Exeter purchased all 
? the lands in the town which belonged to the Earl of Stam- 
l ford. The present Earl of Stamford is George Harry Grey, 
^ seventh Earl of Stamford, and Earl of Warrington, born 
I January 7, 1827. 

\ Edward Duke cf York, Lord of Stamford, founded the 

? college of Fotheringhay in 1411. 

^ Edward II was at Stamford, July, 1309. — See Parliament, 

I Edward III was at Stamford in April, 1327, and received 

^ from the Abbot of Peterborough presents amounting to 

i £34. 7. 4. Edward was here again in April, 1332, where he 

I received further presents from the same Abbot, and confirmed 



169 



a former chai'ter allowing foreign merchants to trade in 
England. He was also at a Paiiiament held here in 1337, 
where hy letters patent he confirmed Albini's grants to New- 
stead Hospital. In coming to Stamford, the King passed 
through Pilsgate meadow, and the inhabitants of that village 
represented to the King (as it was then a custom to consider 
a road public ever after it had been passed by a crowned 
head,) the great damage they should sustain by such a prac- 
tice taking effect. His Majesty immediately commanded that 
his passing that way should not be a precedent for others. 
Edward IV visited Stamford in 1462, and again on the 
27th of July, 1473. He lodged at the Friars Minors, and 
was attended by many Bishops, Knights, and Barons. 

Edward VI (about 1550,) gave the lands and tenements 
formerly belonging to the dissolved guild of Corpus Christi to 
the Chief Magistrate and Burgesses for ever. Drakard 
says, this property produced above £200. per annum in 1821. 
Elections. — The town was represented by the Berties, 
Hatchers, Weavers, Wingfields, and Custs, residents of the 
town or neighbourhood, until 1698, when the influence of 
John fifth Earl of Exeter began to bear the sway in Stam- 
ford. The families of Cecil and Cust were opposed to each 
other until 1734, when the decisive battle was fought. The 
following is the state of the poll which closed April 24 : — 
Parishes. 

Saint Michael 

All Saints' . . 

Saint John . . 

Saint Mary . . 

Saint George 



By the death of the Duke of Ancaster on the 8th of Feb- 
ruary, 1809, General Bertie was raised to the Peerage by 
the title of Earl of Lindsey : thus a vacancy occurred, and, 
on the 13th of the same month, Charles Chaplin, Esq., son 
of Chas^ Chaplin, Esq., of Blankney, came forward in the 
Burghley interest. He was opposed by Joshua Jepson Oddy, 



Noel. 


Proby. 


Oust. 


Fonneres 


69 


63 


37 


29 


109 


103 


43 


37 


61 


58 


35 


32 


61 


58 


12 


9 


39 


34 


78 


73 


339 


316 


205 


180 



170 



< Esq., a merchant in connexion with the Eussian trade. The I 
s poll closed on the 27th of February, the numbers being — I 

i For Mr. Chaplin 306 \ 

\ Mr. Oddy 142 \ 

;^ The number of tendered votes for Oddy was 183; for > 

\ Chaplin 33. Mr. Scarlet (the late Judge Abinger,) was \ 

\ counsel for Mr. Chaplin, and Mr. Spankey for Mr. Oddy. j 

<, Shortly after this election, twenty tenants of the Marcjuis of > 

\ Exeter received notice to quit. ) 

] At the general election in October, 1812, Mr. Oddy re- \ 

\ signed his claim to the representation in favor of Colonel \ 

\ Noel, but the two Burghley Candidates were elected, the > 

\ numbers being — s 

< For Lord Henniker 354 \ 

\ Mr. Foulkes 360 \ 

\ Colonel Noel 272 

\ Mr. Oddy died at the Havannah May 23, 1814. > 

\ At the general election in 1818, the Burghley Candidates ^ 

\ were Lord Thomas Cecil and Captain Percy; and Joseph \ 

\ Clayton Jenyns, and Thomas Best, Esquires, whilst passing \ 

\ through Stamford on business, came forward at the solicita- < 

I tion of a few voters ; and, after taking a poll, the numbers \ 

\ were — } 

\ For Lord T, Cecil 328 \ 

\ Hon. W. H. Percy 324 ] 

\ J. C. Jenyns, Esq 12 j 

\ T. Best, Esq 5 \ 

\ A bonus of five shillings and three-pence from each mem- \ 

\ ber used to be paid to each voter until 1820, when the I 

\ Marquis of Exeter's steward paid two guineas to several of > 

< the electors for past services. ^ 
i In July, 1830, a severe contest took place : the Candidates > 

were Lord Thomas Cecil, brother to the Mai-quis of Exeter, 
and Colonel Thomas Chaplin, in the Burghley interest, and 
Charles Tennyson, Esq., of Bayon's Manor, near Market 
Rasen, as an independent Candidate. A canvass by several 
of the electors commenced on the 16th of July, and on the 



171 



23rd Mr. Tennyson entered the town ; from this time the 
struggle was conducted in earnest, and lasted until the 3rd 
of August, when the poll was declared to be — 

For Lord T. Cecil 467 

Colonel Chaplin 335 

C. Tennyson, Esq 314 

On the 30th of the same month, Mr. Tennyson gave a 
dinner at different public houses to 600 persons, and a baU 
the next evening, in a large marquee which was erected in 
Broad-street, and the whole of the Portico and Shambles ; 
at which about 2000 persons were present: Mr. Ed. Rey- 
nolds, on the part of the " Juvenile Blues," on this occasion 
presented Mr. Tennyson with a handsome silver cup as a 
token of their esteem. 

The voters and friends of the other Candidates were also 
treated at the public-houses in the " red interest," and a ball 
was held at the Assembly-rooms : tickets were also given to 
see the performances at the Theatre on the 3rd of Septem- 
ber, and a ''blue" who tendered his money having been 
refused admittance, a riot took place : the doors were thrown 
into the river, and the "red" flags were replaced by " blue" 
ones. Notices to quit soon came from Bui-ghley to those 
tenants who voted for Mr. Tennyson ; and petitions against 
the interference of the Marquis of Exeter at elections, signed 
by 400 persons, were presented to the King, Lords, and 
Commons. 

In 1831, another election took place, and was carried on 
in the same enthusiastic spirit on both sides, until the 3rd 
of May, when the poll was declared to be — 

For Lord T. Cecil 390 

Chas. Tennyson, Esq. . . 356 
Col. T. Chaplin 302 

In consequence of a misunderstanding, caused by the ex- 
citement of party spirit at this election, on the 18th of June, 
Lord Thomas Cecil, accompanied by Lord James Fitzroy, I 
met Chas. Tennyson, Esq. (who was accompanied by Sir ] 
Wm. Ingilby, Bart., M.P.), on Wormwood Scrubs at six ] 



172 



o'clock in the evening, and an exchange of shots took 
place, without any very serious results: the belligerents 
afterwards shook hands and separated. The dispute arose 
from some offensive sentences used in a speech made at a 
public dinner at Stamford on the 14th of June. 

On the Cth of August a public breakfast took place at 
Standwell's Hotel, when plate of the value of a£200 was 
presented to Col. Chaplin as a token of esteem. 

On the 29th of June, 1832, Mr. Tennyson having been 
in\ited to become one of the representatives of Lambeth, 
resigned his seat for Stamford; and C apt. Arthur Francis 
Gregory, Esq., of Stivic Hall, near Coventry, announced his 
intention of contesting Stamford with the " Burghley" Can- 
didates. Lord T. Cecil at the same time retired, and was 
succeeded by George Finch, Esq., of Burley-on-the-Hill, 
near Oakham. 

On the first revision of the list of voters under the Reform 
Act in October, there were about 400 objections. This 
registration established 852 voters, including Saint Martin's, 
which was now added. 

On the 11th of December, the numbers at the close of 
the first day's poll were, — - 

For Col. Chaplin 526 

Geo. Finch, Esq 463 

Capt. Gregory 296 

Capt. Gregory then resigned the contest. During this 
election a terrible riot took place, and much damage was 
done to the George and Angel and the Hotel : a troop of 
soldiers was immediately called in from Peterborough, but 
previous to their arrival the rioters had dispersed. 

On the 18th of February, 1833, Captain Gregory was pre- 
sented with a pair of silver wine coolers ; and Jos. Parkes, 
Esq., of George-street, Westminster, the active Solicitor in 
the three elections, was presented with a very large silver- 
gilt snuff box. 

At the General Election (consequent on the accession of 



173 



) Lord Melbourne to office) which took place in January, 1835, 

] Colonel Chaplin and George Finch, Esq. were again re- 

i turned. Some time previous to the election (in September 

\ 1834), a requisition, extensively signed, was presented to 

^ Eichard Newcomb, Esq., proprietor of the Stamford Mercury, 



soliciting him to stand as a Candidate in the Liberal interest. 

> A meeting of electors was held at the George and Angel, at 

> which Mr. Newcomb attended, and after thanking the con- 
5 stituency for the honor they intended him, respectfully but 
\ firmly decHned the invitation. 

] A dissolution of Parliament having taken place in July, 

I 1837, Colonel Chaplin was accompanied by the Marquis of 

) Granby (in the room of Mr. Finch who retired,) in the 

) Burghley interest, and the Eight Hon. Hercules Langford 

s Eowley, Baron Langford, of Summer-hill, in the county of 

i Meath, Ireland, in the blue interest. The show of hands 

> was in favor of Lord Langford and Colonel Chaplin, but the 
I proposer of the Marquis of Granby demanded a poll. Lord 
\ Langford's committee finding however that although the 
^ number of votes recorded would not be far short, they could 
] not ensure success, by reason of the overpowering parish of 
\ Saint Martin, which almost exclusively belongs to the Mar- 
l quis of Exeter, and the decrease in the number of the ' Scot 
\ and Lot' voters, who are more independent than tradesmen ; 

> the contest was therefore given up. The committee had 
\ another and more important reason for not going to the poll; 
\ namely, to save their poorer voters fi-om that oppression 
I which always follows a contested election in Stamford. 

I Electors, — The right of voting in Parliamentary Elections 

] for the borough was obtained by paying ' Scot and Lot'; that 

> is, all rates and taxes for houses or land, due within the six 
\ months preceding the day of election, until the passing of 
I the Eeform Act in 1831, when this right was discontinued, 

> excepting to those who then exercised this privilege. The 

> new right of voting is in persons occupying a house, shop, 

> or warehouse, within the borough, of the annual rent or 
) value of £10. Such of the old ' Scot and Lot' voters as re- 



{ 174 TAI 

< 

<■ main qualified are still entitled to exercise the elective 

? franchise. 

^ Elizabeth (Queen) passed through Stamford and dined at 

i the White Friary during a progress into Lincolnshire. She 

^ was also entertained at the Grey Friary on the 5th of 

^ August, 1566. 

I Emlyn, Thomas, — born at Stamford in 1663, was brought 

< up as a dissenting minister, and, in 1691, settled at Dublin, 
] as assistant to the Eeverend Joseph Boyce ; but was soon 
:; interdicted from his pastoral duties, on suspicion of Ajianism. 
\ His humble Inquiry into the Scripture Account of Jesus 
\ Christ brought on him a prosecution for blasphemy, and he 

] was heavily fined and imprisoned. On his release, he re- ] 

^ moved to London, where he died, in 1743. Emlyn's cha- \ 

], racter was amiable and unimpeachable, and he was in habits \ 

c of friendship with Dr. Clarke, Whiston, and other eminent > 

\ men. His works have been collected into two volumes 8vo. \ 

\ \ 

< Ermine Street, — commonly called "Koman Bank," was i 

^ constructed by the Romans, and was one of their three great ^ 

\ roads through Lincolnshire. From London it enters Stam- \ 

^ ford a little to the west, and crosses the Welland at the > 

\ Water-farlong bridge; crosses the Tinwell-road, by Great \ 

^ Casterton, where the Roman camp is still visible, to the turn \ 

< of the road near Horn-lane : thence it proceeds to Navenby, \ 
\ Boothby-Graflfoe, Lincoln, Spital, Broughton, to the Humber > 
\ at Winteringham. > 

< Fairs. — The following are the Fairs held in Stamford ^ 
\ during the year ; — I 
i Candlemas Fair, for Beasts and Horses, Tuesday before the \ 
\ 13th of Februaiy. \ 
<. Midlent Fair, for Horses, Monday before Midlent, and the \ 
] Town-Fair, on Midlent Monday, for Beasts, Sheep, and \ 
\ Horses, and the remaining part of the week for haber- > 
^ dashery, toys, and amusements ; but Thursday and Friday ] 
\ are the chief days. \ 
X Spring Fair, for Beasts and Sheep, is held on such Tuesday > 



175 



j in April as the Mayor for the time being may appoint. 
I It was established by the Corporation in March, 1845. 

\ May Fair, on Monday before the 12th of May, for Horses, 

< Beasts, and Sheep. 

^< Corpus Christi Fair, on the Monday after Corpus Christi 
I (old style), for Horses and Beasts. 

< Saint James's Fair (old style), on the 6th of August, for the 
I same. 

I Saint Simon and Saint Jude Fair was for several years held 
I only on one day, namely, — November the 8th (old style); 

> but by an order of the Corporation about 1820, it was divi- 
ded into two ; the 8th of November being for Horses and 

I Sheep, and the 9th for Beasts. This fair is also well sup- 
l plied with cheese and onions. There are two days before 
I this Fair and three days after it appointed for receiving 

> toUs belonging to the Corporation : also three days after 

< the Fair held upon the Monday after Corpus Christi, but 

< none before it : these tolls were suspended in 1832. 

i There are, besides these Fairs, usually four Cattle Markets 
i in the year, held on the first Fridays in January, Septem- 
l ber, and October, and on the second Friday in December, 

> and Fat Stock Markets are held every alternate Friday. 

< Famine and contagious distemper amongst men and 
\ cattle, 1051. 

\ Feasts. — There are three feasts in the year, viz : — Saint 

\ George's on the Sunday after Corpus Christi ; Scotgate on 

I the Sunday after Saint Peter; and Saint Peter's on the Sun- 

^ day before the 5th of August. These are mere gatherings 

^ of the humbler classes to enjoy an annual holiday : they are 

'^ generally kept up with great spirit and liberality, and all the 



poor who can entertain their friends on the occasion do so 
to the utmost of their means. The public-houses in the 
neighbourhood of the feasts frequently provide prizes to be 
contended for by athletic exercises or rustic sports. 

Feasts in the Neighbourhood. — First Sunday in May — 

Orton WaterviUe. 
Sunday after Ascension — Upton. 



176 



s Whit Sunday — Brook, Normanton, Sibson, Castor, Thorney. > 

< WMt Tuesday — Ailesworth, Titclimarsli, W^ittlesea. s 

< Trinity Sunday — Wansford, Stibbington, Orton Longville, s 
I Barrow, Teigh, Twyford. > 
^ Sunday after June 17 — Stockerston, Stoke, Wardley. I 

< Sunday after June 19 — Little Bytham, Longtborpe. > 
c Sunday after June 24 — Colsterworth, North Luffenham, I 
c Post Wytham, Wakerley, Baston, Wenington. I 
^ Sunday after June 29 — Barrowden, Bisbrook, Casterton > 
\ Magna, Deene, Exton, Empingham, Helpstone, Kettering, > 
\ Langham, Market Overton, Wing, Wymondham. I 
S Sunday after July 6 — Barnack, Corby, Clinton, Greatford, > 
! Harringworth, Stretton, Uppingbam, Weldon. \ 
i Sunday after July 11 — Cottesmore. ^ 
\ Sunday after July 22 — Marholm, Eidlington. } 
^ Sunday after July 25 — Blatherwj^cke, King's Cliffe, Seaton. ^ 
\ First Sunday in August — Stoke, Braceborough, Toft. i 
c Second Sunday in August — Deeping Saint James, Castle ^ 
j Bytham, YarweU. > 
\ Sunday after August 15 — Duddington, Greetham, South ] 
c Luffenham, Ketton, Careby. ; 
\ Sunday aft. September 19 — Ashwell, Bainton, Belmisthorpe, ') 
\ Clipsham, Edithweston, Manton, Morcott, Caldecott. I 
\ 26th— Ashton,Burley-on-the-Hill,Ufford,Woodston,Carlby, i 
\ Maxey, Wood Newton, Wothorpe. I 
\ Sunday after October 10 — Braunston, Lyddington, Thorpe- l 
^ by- Water. I 
i Second Sunday after October 10 — Thistleton. ; 
\ Sunday before October 11 — Thurlby, Tallington. ; 
\ Sunday after October 11 — Blaston, Langtoft, Sewstem, I 
i Uffington, Whitwell, Wilsthorpe. \ 
\ Sunday after October 18 — Glaston, Ryhall, Pickworth, > 
\ Swinstead, Tixover, Sutton, Water Newton, Wytham. > 
i Sunday after November 1 — Casterton Parva, Paston, Gun- i 
I thorpe, Walton, Peakirk, Tinwell, Nassington. \ 
I Sunday after November 11 — Lyndon. < 
< Sunday after Nov. 12~Easton, Elton, Whittering, Walcot. } 



177 



Sunday after November 30 — Northborough, Hambleton, ] 

Thornliaugli, West Deeping. > 

Sunday after December 12 — Collyweston, Alwalton. > 

Fifteenths, — This tax was first levied by Henry II on all ; 

the "Fifth-burgesses"; it was a tenth part of a person's I 

moveable goods, l 

Finch, George, of Burley-on-the-Hill, Eutland, is cousin \ 

of the Earl of Aylesford. Man-ied, in 1833, Louisa daughter \ 

of the Duke of Beaufort. Was M.P. for Stamford from 1832 > 

to 1837, and for the county of Eutland in 1846. He is > 

much noted for his zeal in the cause of Christianity and acts ] 

of charity. ] 

Fines. — In 1203, Stamford was fined twenty marks for ? 

making a foolish presentment, removing the market, and > 

choosing mean people to be on the jury. The borough also > 

paid a fine to King John to enjoy its ancient customs and i 

liberties. I 

Fires. — In 1726, a fire broke out in Scotgate, which, in \ 

two hours, destroyed corn, hay, and implements in husbandry i 

to the amount of JGIOOO. Some years after, another fire I 

broke out on the north-east side of Scotgate, called Pinfold- I 

hill, and did much damage. > 

On Friday, February 13th, 1756, the sails of the Black- > 

Smock wind-mill (which stood near the east end of the > 

Pewterers, on the TinweU-road.) were broken from their > 

stay by the violence of the wind ; and by the rapidity of the ] 

friction, the upper part of it was burnt. TinweU wind-mill > 

was burnt to the ground on the same day. < 

About 1727, a fire destroyed most of the stables of the > 

Crown Inn, and damaged the house ; it was occasioned by \ 

the carelessness of the ostler, who ran away and was never > 

more heard of. I 

About 1793, a serious conflagration occurred in All Saints' ^ 

Place, when the house, workshops, and timber belonging to I 

Mr. Boyfield, builder, were destroyed : the damage was esti- > 

mated at upwards of .£1000. I 

On the 20th of March, 1838, a fire broke out in the work- I 



178 



shops of Mr. Thomas Pilkinton, builder, at the back of Saint 
Peter's-street, (where Smith and Go's, foundry now stands,) 
and the wind being very high, the buildings were soon de- 
stroyed : the fire also extended to the north-east corner of 
Rutland-Terrace, but that part was quickly extinguished. 
The stacks, hovels, and buildings all along the back of St. 
Peter's-street, down to the Rectory, were destroyed ; and the 
wind having carried pieces of the burning mass into the air, 
several places in distant parts of the town were set on fire. 
So awful at one time did the conflagration appear, that fears 
were entertained for the safety of the whole town. The dam- 
age done to Mr. Pilkiuton's property was estimated at £2000., 
and the damage to other property at £600. Mr. Pilkinton 
was insured for only ^500., and £345. was given to him 
by subscription : the other suff'erers, and those who assisted 
and hazarded their lives at the fire, had a very handsome 
subscription raised for them. 

That " good sometimes cometh of evil," was never more 
exemplified than in this catastrophe; for, as it filled the 
minds of the inhabitants with fear, so it stimulated them to 
provide for the future against such a similar calamity : hun- 
dreds of persons insured their property who never thought 
of it before. £175. was subscribed in a short time for the 
purpose of fire engines : since then, fire-plugs have been 
laid down in the greater part of the town. 

In 1843, on the morning of the 4th of February, the 
office and premises on the east side of Brown's Hospital, in 
the occupation of the proprietors of the Lincolnshire Chron- 
icle, was burnt to the ground. The types and other mate- 
rials were completely destroyed, and the entire damage was 
estimated at £1100. The cause of the fire was attributed 
to the irregularities of some person in the employment of 
the newspaper company. When the afi'air was investigated, 
the manager, Thomas Fricker, produced a letter (which he 
stated had been placed on one of the window sills) to con- . 
vey an impression that the conflagration was caused by an ( 
incendiary; but circumstances transpired to negative any J 



179 



) sucli supposition, and it was eventually believed to have ori- 

^ ginated tlii'ougli culpable carelessness. The misfortune, it 

J was thought, would for a time prevent the publication of 

< the newspaper ; but owing to the kind consideration of Mr. 
! Newcomb, who supplied the establishment with types from 
I his printing-office, and offered the use of his machines, the 
I paper made its appearance as usual. The editor was, how- 
l ever, shortly after discharged from his situation. 

\ Fire Brigade and Engines. — About 1660, Henry Noel, 

\ Esq. gave a handsome Fire Engine for the use of the Town. 

\ Harrod says that " the Town has three Fire Engines, the 

\ largest of the three has upon it 'it. Newsham, London, 

^ fecit,' and when played produces a continual stream ; but the 

I second having no air-vessel does not do so ; the third was 

\ made by Bristow, on the same plan as the largest, and has 

\ upon it * The Corporation of Stamford. H. Cumbreg, 

< Magor, 1772.' One William Adams was paid ^3. a year for 
i keeping them in order." In 1784, the Sun Fire Office pre- 

< sented the Corporation with 36 leathern buckets; and in 
I 1785, Mr. John Clarke, of Saint Martin's, gave 12 more. 

i In 1822, Mr. Drakard says, "the town has three Fire 

< Engines, and that Mr. T. W. Living had £6. 5. per annum | 
s for keeping them in repair, and working them once a quarter." > 

< Previous to 1830, the second engine was disposed of. \ 
f After the Fire in Saint Peter's-street in 1838, a£l75. was \ 
\ raised by subscription, and a very powerful Fire Engine was I 

< purchased for 56139. A Brigade, consisting of tradesmen, \ 

< was formed, who wear an uniform when called upon to act. > 
i On the passing of the Improvement Act, the Fire Engines ? 
i and apparatus became vested in the Commissioners, who / 
j pay the men for assisting at fires. The drag-hooks and s 
I ladders are now kept in the Corn-market. In 1846, the ] 
\ Commissioners caused the second engine to be re-constructed i 
^ upon the same principal as the new one, by Mr. Geo. Jones, ? 
I who is engineer to the Commissioners, and the Brigade \ 
I has also been re-modelled. The Marquis of Exeter's Water- \ 
I works Act has proved of great benefit in case of fire, as fire- \ 



180 



plugs were laid down; the keys of which are kept at the 
Engine-house, in High-street ; but it is much to be regretted 
that the east end of the town is without this advantage. 

Fish-market. — See Butchers' Shambles. 

Floods. — In 1570, the north end of the town bridge was 
borne down by a flood, and re-built by William Lord Burgh- 
ley. In April, 1641, the Welland flowed half way up to 
Saint Mary's church. 

Floral and Horticultural Society. — This Society, esta- 
blished 1835, has for its object encouragement in the growth 
and dissemination of Flowers, Fruits, and Vegetables: at 
the time this society was established, it received the most 
universal support and assistance of the nobility, clergy, 
gentry, and tradesmen in the town and neighbourhood, 
amongst whom were 

The Most Hon. the MAECHIONESS OF EXETER, who con- 
sented to be Patroness; and the Most Hon. the MAEQUIS OF 
EXETEE, K.G., who accepted the office of President. 



The Bight Hon. the Earl of 

Westmoreland, K.G., 
The Eight Hon. the Earl of 

Lindsey, 
The Eight Hon. the Earl Fitz- 

william, 
The Eight Hon. the Eail of 

Lonsdale, K.G., 
The Eight Hon. the Lord Wil- 

loughby d'Eresby, 
The Eight Hon. the Lord Car- 

bery. 
The Hon. C. CHfFord, 
Sir John Trollope, Bart, M.P. 
Sir Gilbert Heathcote, Bart., 

M.P. 
Sir G. Noel Noel, Bart., M.P. 
G. J. Heathcote, Esq., M.P., 
General Eeynardson, 



General Johnson, M.P., 
Lieutenant-Col. Chaplin, M.P., 
George Finch, Esq., M.P., 
The Mayor of Stamford for the 

time being, 
George Denshire, Esq., 
George Eludyer, Esq., 
Samuel E. Fydell, Esq., 
Everson Harrisson, Esq., 
Thomas Hotchkin, Esq., 
Stafford O'Brien, Esq., 
John M. Wingfield, Esq., 
The Venerable the Archdeacon 

of Lincoln, 
The Venerable the Archdeacon 

of Leicester, 
John Willis, Esq., M.D., 
Thomas G. Arnold, Esq., M.D. 
Eev. N. Walters. 



The Honorary Secretaries were the Eev. H. Atlay, of 
Great Casterton, and W. L. Hopkinson, Esq., M.D., Saint 
Mai-tin's. On their resignation in 1843, Mr. H. Johnson, 



181 



Bookseller, Saint Mai'y's-hill, and Mr. Jas. Simpson, jun., 
High-street, accepted the office. 

Within the last 5 or 6 years the Society has been on the 
wane, and now only numbers a third of its original promo- 
ters ; notwithstanding this, the funds are in a prosperous 
state and the society considered to have gained a firm and 
lasting basis : formerly there . were four shows during the 
year, but now only three ; they are held in* the large room 
at Standwell's Hotel. 

One great feature in the working of this society is the en- 
couragement awarded the Cottagers ; in this branch of the 
Society's shows of late, much improvement has manifested 
itself by an increase in the productions, which may be attri- 
buted to the extra support given to cottage industry and 
emulation at the Horticultural Exhibitions. 

Freemen. — In 1837, there were 305 ; only 104 of whom 
exercise their right, viz. — 14 with horses, cows, and sheep ; 
11 with horses and cows; 13 with sheep and horses; 34 
with horses only; 18 with cows only; and 6 with sheep 
only. Each freeman is allowed to graze six cows and three 
calves from the 15th of April to the 16th of October; 60 
sheep from November the 15th to April the 15th; and any 
number of horses in the meadows after the hay is taken. 
According to Dunn's survey in 1837, the total quantity of 
land belonging to the freemen was 47a. 2e. 21 p., besides the 
right of common over all the fields. No part of the parish 
of St. Martin has any claim to these privileges. 

In 1838, Mr. James Torkington, the Town Clerk, having 
some land in the fields, enclosed a part for a farm yard, and 
an action was brought by Mr. Joseph Beadsworth, one of 
the freemen, (backed by the Marquis of Exeter,) on the 
ground that the Defendant thereby diminished his right to 
the herbage of these fields. The case was tried at Lincoln 
before Lord Abinger, who nonsuited the Plaintiff", and said, 
" If 300 persons were each to put on the common 9 beasts, 
60 sheep, and a horse, there would be 2700 beasts, 18,000 
sheep, and 300 horses : it would be preposterous to suppose 



182 



that all these animals could be fed on 1000 acres of land, 
and that chiefly fallows." The case has since been argued 
in Queen's Bench, where it met with the same result. 

In 1844, Mr. William Keed led on a party of freemen, who 
broke down the fences and turned in their stock. Mr. Tor- 
kington, one of the injured parties, brought an action against 
Eeed, who defended it in the Sheriff''s Coui't at Lincoln, but 
a verdict was given for Plaintiff. 

The farmers, in consequence of these proceedings, have 
very frequently opposed the cow-keepers, and several persons 
have been fined by the magistrates for injuring the cattle. — 
See Corporation, p. 130. 

Friars Minors, or Franciscans. — See Grey Friars. 

Frosts. — A very severe frost commenced in October, 760, 
and continued to February, 761. Also another from the 
beginning of November, 1076, to April 1077. In 1739, on 
Christmas Eve, a frost set in and continued until Lady-day, 
1740; and during this time the frost was so hard that a 
sheep and a hog were roasted whole on the River Welland, 
near the ford in Water-street, and printing presses were well 
engaged on the river. The greatest degree of cold was on 
the 5th of January, 1740. In November, 1844, a frost set 
in and continued with very little intermission until April, \ 
1845 ; the greatest degree of cold was on Friday morning > 
the ]4th of March. \ 

Fryer Henry, — a surgeon of Stamford, was born in 1762. \ 
He was of benevolent mind; devoted the bulk of his property \ 
to charitable purposes at his death; and may be considered 5 
as the founder of the Stamford and Rutland Infirmaiy. He > 
died on the 17th of May, 1823. — See Infimiary and Charities. > 

Fryer's Almshouses, on the Wothorpe-road, built in 1833. <. 

Gallows. — This implement of execution formerly stood on < 
the Lings, near the road leading to Little Casterton. — See I 
Corporation and King. s 

Gaol. — This building was erected in 1822, at an expense > 
of about £'2o00., including i\ie purchase of ground for the > 
yards. The sum raised for this purpose was paid in s 



183 



fourteen years out of the poor-rates collected in the borough, 
the demand from each parish being as follows : — From All 
Saints' £Q2d.; from Saint Mary's £375.; from Saint 
Michael's £625.; from Saint John's £421. IT. 6.; from 
Saint George's £453. 2. 6. 

The building is a neat, plain elevation, having a pediment 
about thirty feet broad in the centre of the front, on the en- 
tablature of which is inscribed — "erected mdcccxxi. 
RICHARD NEWcoMB, ESQ., MAYOR." The length is fifty- 
one feet, and the width eighteen feet in the central projec- 
tion, and fifteen feet eight inches in the north and south 
ends. The whole of the edifice with the boundary walls is 
raised with stone from Wittering and Barnack, coped with a 
Yorkshire stone, excepting the pediment, door, and window 
cases, &c., which are worked in Ketton freestone. 

In 1844, it was much altered by order of the Secretary 
of State. 

Gascoigne, George, — a poet of Queen Elizabeth's reign, 
the son of Sir George Gascoigne, was bom at Walthamstow, 
in Essex, and was disinherited by his father. After haying 
studied at Cambridge and Gray's Inn, he served in the 
Dutch army. On returning to England, he became a courtier, 
and wrote masques for the entertainment of the Queen. He 
died at Stamford, October 7th, 1577. Besides his original 
and translated dramas, and some prose tracts, he wrote The 
Steel Glass, a satire, and other poems. "He is," says 
Headley, " smooth, sentimental, and harmonious." 

Gas-light. — On the 17th of June, 1823, the Royal assent 
was given to an "Act to establish a Company for Lighting 
the Borough of Stamford and Saint Martin's Stamford Baron 
with Gas." On the 16th of March, 1825, the town was first 
lighted. The Gas-works are situated in Tenter-meadow; 
they were built on too large a scale for this town, and, there- 
fore, the dividends are barely £5. per cent. 

Gates and Walls. — The walls of Stamford, it is supposed, 
were built by the Danes ; who, when they took the town, 
erected them as a defence against the Saxons ; and as it is 



184 



called Byi-igli, in the Saxon Annals ; Civitas, by Henry of 
Huntingdon ; and Arx, by Florence of Worcester, it plainly 
appears to have been then a walled town. Leland says there 
were seven principal towers in these walls, to each of which 
the Fifburgesses were allotted to watch and ward in time of 
need ; and according to Speed's map of the town, there were 
four other lesser forts, which make the total number eleven. 
The remains of one of these principal bulwarks are still 
standing on the north-west point of Saint Peter's-street : at 
the top of it were loop-holes, through which the besieged 
shot their arrows. Two other larger ones, nearer the river, 
were called Beesfort and Holm Towers ; and three others 
towards the north, east, and west, were named White Tower, 
Carpe Tower, and North Bulwark. 

Besides these, the town was defended by seven principal 
and two postern gates : the former were called Saint Paul's 
Gate, Saint George's Gate, Bridge Gate, Gled Gate, Saint 
Peter's Gate, Scot Gate, and New Gate : one of the posterns 
stood near to Bridge Gate on the east, and the other led to 
Tenter-meadow (now the Gas-works), which Speed calls 
the Water Gate. Saint Paul's Gate was so called from its 
being situated in the street and near the church of that 
name : Saint George's Gate was formerly called Cornstal 
Gate, from the church of Saint Michael Cornstal, which 
stood not far from it; the street also was called Cornstal- 
street : Scot Gate was so named from its leading to Scotland: 
Peter's Gate, fr'om Saint Peter's church, which stood near it, 
on that large green spot on the south side of Peter's-hill ; 
it was also called West Gate, from its western situation, and 
the street leading to it was named the Gannoc (now All 
Saints) ; and Gled Gate stood in that wide passage on the 



I east side of the castle wall leading to Lamb's Bridge, and 
^ was so termed, says Mr. Peck, from the word glade, an 
open passage or thoroughfai-e. 

Five of these gates were standing, according to Mr. Peck, 
in 1727, all of which, excepting Bridge Gate, were embattled 
and had towers or lodges upon them : they were St. Paul's^ 



185 



Saint George's, Saint Peter's, Scot Gate, and Bridge Gate. 
The last, over which stood the old Town-hall, was pulled 
down in 1776 ; and St. Peter's Gate in 1770. St. George's, 
which was the last standing, and much dilapidated, was de- 
stroyed about 1806. 

George IV (then Prince Piegent,) passed through Stam- 
ford on the 30th of December, 1813, on his way to visit the 
Earl of Lonsdale, at Cottesmore, where the Corporation 
presented an address, which was graciously received. The 
King left Cottesmore on the 2nd of January, 1814, for Bel- 
voir Castle, where he and his royal brother the Duke of 
York, and the Dowager Duchess of Paitland, (ofSciating as 
proxy for the Queen,) became sponsors for the infant heir 
of his Grace the Duke of Rutland. His Pioyal Highness 
again passed through Stamford on the 11th, on his way to 
Buckden Palace, the seat of the Bishop of Lincoln. 

Gilchrist, Octavius, a distinguished literary character, was 
bom at Twickenham in 1779, and received his education at 
Magdalen College, Oxford. His writings consist of Essays, 
&c. relating to the Pdse and Progress of the British Stage, 
and of the respective merits of the elder Dramatists. He 
resided at Stamford many years, and died in 1823. 

Grammar School. — The first stone of the new part of this 
building was laid by John Eoden, Esq., October the 9th, 
ISSS.—See Chanties. 

Grants. — See Charters. 

Grey Friary, or Friars Minors. — This monastery was at 
the east end of the town, on the south side of the road leading 
to the Infirmary. They were of the order of Saint Francis, 
and called Grey Friars because their clothes were made of 
wool of its natui*al colour. William Earl Warren, in 1208, 
gave one culture of five acres, without the east gate of Stam- 
ford, to bury the bodies of the dead, and for making there an 
hospital and houses for friars and paupers. The outward 
walls of the inclosure are stiU standing, and bear evident 
marks of antiquity. ' The church,' according to Peck, 'was 
a very spacious one, and the house a very fair structure.' 



186 



Many fine pieces of carving had been dug up about this hos- I 

pital, in the time of persons living when Peck wrote. The ^ 

Rev. Eobert Glen, Rector of Saint George's, in 1725, had, $ 

according to Peck, seen many figures dug up from amongst \ 

the ruins. > 

John Stanford, a friar of this convent, was made Arch- i 

bishop of Dublin and Lord Lieutenant of Ireland about 1283 : I 

and John Rodington, a very leai-ned man, who flourished ^ 

about 1326, was prior here, and provincial over the whole I 

order in England : he died in 1348. Peter Sutton, also a ^ 

Franciscan of great learning, was buiied here about 1330. i 

Thomas de Holand, first Earl of Kent, of that nsime and | 

family, who died on the 28th of December, 1362, was buried > 

in the chapel of this hospital, as appears by the will of his > 

widow, Johanna daughter and heir of Edmund Plantagenet I 

de Woodstoke, Earl of Kent, and afterwards the wife of Ed- > 

ward Prince of Wales, (called the Black Prince,) dated the ^ 

7th of August, 1385, whereby she desu'es to be buried in ^ 

this chapel, near the grave of Thomas Earl of Kent, her > 

husband. The funeral of this lady was conducted with ^ 

great pomp. I 

In the town coffer of Stamford is preserved this memorial: ^ 

" That in the 48th year of King Edward III, William de > 

Stone, guardian of the Friars Minors and the convent of the ^ 

sam'e in Staunford, did make an exchange of a fountain at ^ 

Stacyes Milne, called EstweDsheved, with the town of Staun- I 

ford, John Brown being then Alderman, for another fountain > 

lying in what is now called Emblen's Close, just opposite to I 

them, whereby the water was conveyed to them by leaden <, 

^ pipes, at an easy charge." \ 

\ About 1424, William Eussel, of this order, preached a I 

^ sermon in Stamford, wherein he contended that it was lawful > 

s for religious and monastic persons to marry, and that such ] 

\ practice was not sinful. He also affirmed that, by the law I 

I of God, no man was obliged to pay tithes to his minister. ; 

I From these bold assertions we may perceive that, even in ^ 

\ the darkest ages of superstition and bigotry, and in the al- \ 

\ 



187 



most hidden recesses of a cloister, there were occasionally 
emitted sparks of truth and independence. 

Queen Elizabeth was at one time an inmate of this con- 
vent, as we learn by the diary of the Lord Treasurer Burgh- 
ley. He says, that, "August 5th, 1566, Queen Elizabeth 
was entertained at my house, the Grey Friary, because my 
daughter Ann was suddenly seized with the small-pox at 
Burghley." 

Eeynerus sets the value of this monastery at its dissolu- 
tion at £36., and Speed at £SQ. 17. 

The following is an account of its surrender, from Fuller's 
History of Abbeys; which surrender Howgrave very pro- 
perly supposes was either forged or obtained by compulsion 
and through fear ; not only because this order more strenu- 
ously resisted the power of Henry, but also because there 
are but ten signatures annexed, though there were then 
more than forty friars in the monastery. 

** For as much as the warden and freers of the house of St. Fran- 
ces, in Stamforde, comenly callyd the Gray Freers, in Stamforde, in 
the county of Lincolne, doo profoundly consider, that the perfection 
of christian lyving dothe not consiste in the doine ceremonies, 
werying of the grey coote, disgeasing our selffe after straing-e 
fashions, doking and beckying, in gurdying- our selffes with a gardle 
full knotts, and other hke papistical ceremonies, wherein we have 
been most principally practyced and misselyd in times past; but 
the very tru waye to please God, and to hve a tru christian man, 
wythe owte all ypocrasie, and fayned dissimulation, is sinceerly de- 
clayryd unto us by our master Christe, his evangehsts and apostles. 
Being mindyd hereafter to followe the same ; conformyng our selffe 
unto the Tfill and pleasure of our supreme hedde under God in erthe, 
the King's majestye ; and not to follow henceforth the supersticious 
traditions of any forincyncal potentate, or poore; withe mutual 
assent and consent, doo submytt owr selffes unto the mercy of our 
said soveraygne lorde. And with mutual assent and consent, do 
surrender, and yelde up unto the hand of the same, all owr said 
house of Saynt Frances, in Stamforde, comenly cally'd the Grey 
Freers, in Stamforde, Tvith all lands, tenements, gardens, meadows, 
waters, pondyards, feedings, pastures, comens, rentes, reversions, 
and all other owr interest, ryghtes, and tythes, aperteygning unto 
the same; mooste humbly besechyng his mooste noble grace, to 
dispose of us and of the same, as best schall stonde wythe his most 



188 



graciouse pleasure. And farther, freely to graunt unto every one 
of us his licence undre wretyng and seal, to change O'vvr habites 
into secular fashion, and to receive such manner of livyngs as 
other secular priestes comenly be preferry'd unto. And we all 
faythfuUy schall pray unto Abnighty God long to preserve his 
mooste noble grace, Tv^the encrease of moche felicitie and honor. 

"And in witness of all and singuler the premisses, we the saide 
warden, and covent of the Grey Freers, in Stamforde, to these pre- 
sents have put our covent seal, the yegth day of Octobre, in the 
thyrtythe yere of the raigne of owre mooste soverajiie King Henry 
the yeight. 

Factum Johannes Schemy, Gardian. 

Per me Fratrem Johannem Robards. 

Per me Johannem Chadworth. 

Per me Kichardum Pye. 

Per me Johannem Clarcke. 

Per me Johannem Quoyte. 

Per me Johannem Jarman. 

Per me Johannem Yong. 

Per me Johannem Lovel. 

Per me Willielmum Tompson." 

Its site was granted by King Henry VIII, in the 32nd 
year of his reign, to Charles Brandon Duke of Suffolk. The 
Lord Treasurer Burghley died possessed of it in 1598 ; and 
it is now the property of the Marquis of Exeter, and occupied 
by Miss Hurst and Richard Newcomb, Esq. 

Guild of Saint Martin. — A Guild was held in St. Martin's 
by which a priest was found to sing in the parish church. 
The founder of it is unlmown ; but it appears to have been 
established before the I3th year of Edward II, 1329. In an 
old manuscript, dated about 1390, mention is made of an 
ancient custom of the parishioners, both male and female, 
that belonged to the Guild, assembling in the church every 
Martinmas-day, whence, after service, they adjourned to a 
feast which was provided on the occasion at the Guild-hall. 
At this period they had a bull, which was used and sold for 
the profit of the fraternity. The Guild was endowed in the 
second of Edward VI with lands and tenements to the yearly 
value of £,Q. 2. 2., out of which, in rent resolute, was de- 
ducted 6s. Id. Thomas Pocket, forty-seven yeai's old, and 



189 



meanly learned, was at that time the incumbent. In the 
latter part of the same reign all Guilds were suppressed by 
an order of government, as nurseries of treasons and con- 
spiracies. 

Handley, Henry, Esq., married, the 15th of October, 1825, 
the Hon. Caroline Edwardes, eldest daughter of Lord Ken- 
sington, and sister of the Lady of Sir E.G. Dering, Bart. 
Is a Deputy- Lieutenant of the county. Proposed the Eight 
Hon. C. S. Lefevre on his election as Speaker, May, 1839. 
Takes a leading and zealous part in matters connected with 
and in support of the agiicultural interest. Was returned 
for Heytesbury in August, 1820, and for the county of Lin- 
coln from 1832 to 1841, unopposed, by a constituency ex- 
ceeding 8000. At the General Election in 1841, he withdrew 
on account of ill health ; but his constituents so appreciated 
his services that 2960 of them went to the election at their 
own expense and recorded their votes in Ms favor : his seat 
is at Culverthorpe, near Sleaford. 

Health. — Stamford may perhaps, notwithstanding the 
crowded state of its church-yards, be considered healthy ; as 
in the six years ending 1843, the number of deaths in the 
six parishes amounted to 1006, being an average of 167 a 
year out of 7760. 

In 1831, the Indian Cholera having spread itself through 
many counties, a Board of Health was established, consisting 
of the Medical Gentlemen of the town ; some extra sewers 
were made ; regulations and instructions published ; and a 
house out of the town (now the Infant School,) was fur- 
nished as an hospital, and a general fast was kept. For- 
tunately no decided case of Cholera occurred in Stamford, 
though many died in the neighbouring fens. 

Heathcotey Gilbert John, Esq., born the 16th of January, 
1795, eldest son of Sir Gilbert Heathcote, Bart., married 8th 
October, 1827, the Hon. Clementina Elizabeth Drummond, 
eldest daughter of Lord WiUoughby de Eresby, grand-daugh- 
ter of the last Lord Perth, sister of the Lady of Lord Car- 
rington, and niece of the Countess of Clare. Mr. Heathcote 



190 



is cousin of the Earl of Dysart, the Lady of Sir G. Sinclair, I 

Bart., and Marchioness of Aylesbury ; is Deputy-Lieutenant > 

of the counties of Lincoln, and Eutland. He was returned I 

for Boston from 1820 to 1832, and for the Parts of Kesteven I 

and Holland, in the county of Lincoln, from 1832 to 1841, ^ 

when he succeeded his father for the county of Eutland. ^ 

His seat is Stocken Hall, near Stamford. > 

Heathenish learning flourished here from B.C. 863, to Lu- > 

cius the first Christian King, about a.d. 140. I 

Henry I was here with Robert Bloet, Bishop of Lincoln, ^ 

and several Nobles of the land, 1110. I 

Henry III confirmed all Stamford south of the Welland, > 

with the churches of Saint Martin and All Saints' in the | 

Water-street, to the monastery of Peterborough. I 

Henry having quarrelled with his brother, Eichard Earl ^ 

of Poictiers and Cornwall, Eichard, with the assistance of ] 

Earls Wan-en, Chester, Gloucester, Hereford, Warwick, and | 

Ferrars, collected an ai-my at Stamford, whence they sent a \ 

message to the King demanding that he should make his > 

brother amends and restore Magna Charta. — 1227. I 

Henry seized the town after the death of William Earl > 

Wan-en, 1240, and held it until 1254. > 

Henry VIII came to Stamford 1532, and was welcomed \ 

by Henry Lacey, gent.. Alderman, who presented the King \ 

with j620. of the town money. In 1539, this Monarch passed \ 

through on his journey to York. \ 

Heston, Walter, was a White Friar, who had taken the \ 

degree of D.D. at Cambridge ; he was a person of great up- i 

rightness of manners and learned in sacred and profane ] 

discipline. He taught philosophy and di\imty in several > 

monasteries of his own order, and was chosen prior of the I 

Carmelite monastery here, where he was buried in 1350. I 

Hopkins' Hospital, built about 1770. — See Charities. i 

Hospital of Saint John and Saint Thomas. — This building > 

stood on part of the site of the present beadhouse, or hospital, \ 

called Lord Burghley's Hospital, adjoining the south-west \ 

corner of the bridge; it extended to the George Inn. It was \ 



mi 



dedicated to Saint John and Saint Thomas the martyr, and I 

appropriated for the reception of poor travellers who passed ^ 

that way. The founder of it was Brando de Fossato, a man > 

of great piety, who sold all his property and gave to the poor; I 

he was afterwards a monk of Peterborough Abbey. The \ 

hospital was erected about 1778. I 

Richard de- Humez, who held the manor of Stamford \ 

borough, and Bertram de Verdun, his ward, afterwards gave I 

to it a large piece of meadow, with the orchard and the > 

George Inn : and one Siward is said to have built a hand- > 

some church in the yard belonging to it : the chapel pre- ] 

viously used was the one that stood upon the bridge. ^ 

The masters of this hospital were appointed by the Abbot > 

of Peterborough. In 1299, Hugh Clisseby, vicar of All > 

Saints', in Stamford, was the warden ; but through his mis- > 

management it became so much impoverished, that he < 

obtained permission to resign his office ; or, in other words? I 

was discharged. It was then given to Sir Robert, rector of ^ 

Northborough, but was restored to Clisseby four months I 

afterwards. The books, jewels, and other property, were \ 

likewise given back to him ; but, owing to his relapsing into \ 

his former evil courses, he was again deposed. However, < 

after certain restrictions had been prescribed him, and ^ 

through the intercession of the Bishop of Lincoln and others, I 

he was a second time restored to his wardenship. I 

By an injunction bearing date in the year 1300, the reve- s 

nues of the hospital were to be divided into three equal > 

portions : one portion was to be applied to the support of a < 

chantry priest, and to procuring all necessaries for the cele- I 

bration of divine offices ; another to the maintenance of the ^ 

sick and infirm within the hospital, and the relief of passen- I 

gers ; and the thu'd portion to the support of the master and > 

his family. i 

The pai'ticular endowment of this hospital is not known ; > 

but in the 13th of Edward II, 1320, the master of the chapel > 

was certified to hold of the abbey twenty-nine acres and > 

three quarters of good land on the same side of the bridge ^ 



192 



with the hospital ; in exchange for which he gave twenty- 
six acres heyond the bridge, and paid annually 4s. lid. In 
1535, the 26th of Henry VIII, William Chambers being the 
\ incumbent, the revenues of the chapel were rated in Stam- 
< ford deanery, in Lincolnshire. But by the commissioners' 
i survey, in the 2nd of Edward VI, (1549,) where it is named 
\ the free chapel of Saint John Baptist, the founder being then 
\ unknown, it was returned to be worth, in lands and tene- 
l ments, £11. 4. 11., out of which was deducted, in rent reso- 
( lute, £1. 3. 4. After the survey, John Stodderd, by divers 
^ evidences, produced to the commissioners, having jjroved the 
c same to be an hospital, required the certificate to be avoided. 
^ But it appealing that it was not used as a hospital in re- 
J lieving the poor, and that the profits were converted only to 
\ the use of Thomas Stodderd, son of the said John Stodderd, 
^ an infant of about fourteen years of age, towards his exhibi- \ 
\ tion at school, it was left to the court to determine upon it. 
In the 33rd of Henry VIII (1542), it was granted, by the 
\ name of the free chapel of Saint John upon the bridge, to 
\ the bishop of the diocese. At the dissolution it was valued 
i at £18. 16. Of. 

? Hotel — This building may not improperly be styled a 
\ monument of the contested elections in Stamford in 1809, 
^ as, but for them, there can be no doubt it would never had 
i existence. It was erected by Sir Gerard Noel Noel, Bart., 
I of Exton, in the county of Rutland, who began it about the 
I yeaj 1810 ; but who, from private circumstances, was unable 
^ fully to accomplish his undertaking; and the house, with 
but few of the apartments in a habitable state, remained for 
several years unoccupied. His views were to afibrd the 
inhabitants of Stamford particulaily, and travellers generally, 
an elegant and superior accommodation; and such would 
most assuredly have been the case had the building been 
completed and furnished in a manner corresponding with its 
beautiful exterior. It is also to be regretted that much of 
its effect is lost by the close and crowded situation in which 
it stands, being in the narrowest part or about the centre of 



193 



the north side of Saint Mary's-street, and immediately oppo- 
site to the body of the church. 

The facade of this structure, which is 93 feet in length, 
is erected (with a few exceptions,) of freestone furnished 
by the quarries on Sir Gerard's own estate, situate near 
Ketton, Rutland. The minor parts which are not built of 
this stone, are composed of Roach Abbey stone, which was 
brought at a great expense from the quarries of that deno- 
mination in the county of York. 

The fapade is supported by six three-quarter columns of 
the Greek Corinthian order, composed in the spirit of a cele- 
brated example at Athens. These columns stand on a rus- 
ticated basement, and support an entablature and a moulded 
parapet which entirely conceal the roof. The aperture of 
the entrance door and the apertures of the windows of the 
two upper stories diminish in width upwards, and have the 
proportions of some ancient classical examples which still 
remain for our study and admiration. 

The whole is surmounted by a statue of Justice, seated, 
of colossal proportions, and finely executed in Roach Abbey 
stone by that eminent artist Mr. Rosse, R.A. Through a 
desire on the part of Sir Gerard Noel to patronise the arts 
of design, more sculptured enrichments have been intro- 
duced in this elevation than usually occur in buildings of 
modern erection in England; the whole of which are de- 
signed and executed in the style of the pure examples of 
Grecian art, which the labours of scientific travellers have 
disclosed to the world during the last seventy years. It 
contains twenty-seven apartments, comprising a ball-room 
51 feet long, 27 feet wide, and 30 feet high ; dining and 
card rooms ; a suite of supper rooms ; spacious bed chambers 
with dressing rooms ; and other apartments. The door-way 
and saloon display much chasteness and correctness both 
in design and workmanship. The spacious geometrical 
stone staircase is also worthy of notice, having a neat light 
appearance corresponding with the other parts of the build- 
ing : it is terminated by a cupola with double lights, which 



194: 



; has an imposing effect. Upon the whole, it is a magnificent 

j mansion, with accommodations equal to those which may 

[ be found in private dwelling-houses of the first class. \ 

: Mr. Bond, of London, was the architect. Mr. Thomas 

: Standwell, the present tenant opened it in 1829, and on the 

\ 3rd of December the same year, Sir Gerard Noel presided 

c over 143 gentlemen at the "house-warming." 

c The whole of the building, including the site, is said to 

\ have cost ^43,000. On the 21st of November, 1845, it was, 

i with the houses occupied by Messrs. Bromhead and Walker, 

< Mrs. Whitby, Mr. Chas. ParneU, Mrs. Bell, the Excise office, 
\ and a house and shop in High-street, put up by auction, in 
c one lot, and was bought by Richd. Newcomb, Esq. for ^9850. 
I House of Saint Sepulchre and Magdalen Chapel. — This 
J house was for Regular Canons of that order, whose business 

< here was to entertain all Pilgrims and Knights of the Holy 

< Sepulchre on their journey to Jerusalem ; these Knights 
\ were called Knights of Saint John, and accompanied the 

< Pilgrims for protection. This house stood on the site of 
^ Mr. M. W. Jackson's house, in Saint Martin's ; and the 
^ Chapel, dedicated to Mary Magdalen, stood near Church-lane. 

< In 1818, a large gothic arch, formerly belonging to this 

< chapel, was taken down. Human bones have often been 
i dug up near this place. In the yai'd of Mr. Baxter is a fine 
^ image of an Angel which was discovered here. 

^ Houses. — In the reign of King Edward the Confessor, the 

\ five wards of Stamford contained 351 houses. In 1841 the 

< town (including Saint Martin's,) contained 1496 houses. — 
( See Population. 

} Hudson, Jeffery. — This celebrated Dwarf was born at Oak- 

s ham, in Rutland, in 1619, and about the age of seven 

\ or eight years, being then but eighteen inches high, was 

^ retained in the service of the Duke of Buckingham, who 

\ resided at Burley-on- the -Hill. Soon after the marriage 

\ of Charles I, the King and Queen being entertained at Bur- 

\ ley, little Jeffery was served up at table in a cold pie; 

\ which, when cut open, presented to the astonished royal 



195 



visitors the diminutiye Jeffery armed cap-a-pee. This pie 
was purposely constructed to hold our little hero, who, when 
the duchess made an incision in his castle of paste, shifted 
his situation until sufficient room was made for his appear- 
ance. The Queen expressing herself greatly pleased with 
his person and manners, the duchess presented him to her 
Majesty, who afterwards kept him as her dwarf. From the 
age of seven years till tliirty, he never grew taller; but after 
thirty he shot up to three feet nine inches, and there fixed: 
he visited Stamford in 1630. 

Shonly afterwards, our hero was employed in a negotiation 
of great importance. This was, to procure a midwife for the 
Queen, but on his return with a lady of that profession and 
her majesty's dancing-master, with many rich presents to 
the Queen fi-om her mother, Mary de Medicis, he was taken 
by the Dunkirkers ; and besides what he was bringing for 
the Queen, he lost to the value of two thousand five hundred 
pounds, that he had received in France, on his own account, 
from the Queens mother, and ladies of that court. This 
Lappened in the year 1630. 

His temper was by no means calculated to put up with 
repeated affronts, and at last being greatly provoked by Mr. 
Crofts, a yoting gentleman of family, a challenge ensued. 
Mr. Crofts coming to the rendezvous armed only with a 
squirt, the little creature was so enraged, that a real duel 
ensued; and, the appointment being on horseback with 
pistols, to put them more on a level, Jeffery, at the first fire, 
shot his antagonist dead. Tliis happened in France, whither 
he had attended his mistress in the troubles. 

He was afterwards taken prisoner by a Turkish rover, and 
sold for a slave in Barbary, but did not remain long in cap- 
tivity; for, at the beginning of the civil war, he was made 
captain in the royal army; and in 1644, attended the Queen 
again into France, where he remained till the restoration. 
At last, upon suspicion of his being privy to the Popish plot, 
he was taken up in 1664, and confined in the gate-house, 
Westminster, where he ended his hfe, at the age of 63. 



196 



Hudson, Michael, D.D., Kector of Uffington, was a faithful 
Royalist. In 1646 lie was imprisoned in London House, 
whence he escaped in 1647 ; he was confined in the Tower, 
where he wrote the " Divine Right of Government, Natural 
and Political," in two books. Making his escape hence, in 
the beginning of 1648, he came into Lincolnshire, and, as- 
sisted by the Rev. Mr. Stiles, afterwards Warden of Browne's 
Hospital in Stamford, raised a party of horse. In order to 
secure themselves from the Parliamentary troops, they retired 
to Woodcroft House, in the parish of Etton, about seven 
miles south- east of Stamford. " Mr. Hudson and his beaten 
party," says Bishop Kennet, " did not fly to Woodcroft, but 
he had quietly taken possession of it, and held it for a gar- 
rison with a good party of horse, who made a stout defence 
and frequent sallies against a party of the parhament at 
Stamford, 'till the colonel commanding there sent a stronger 
detachment under a captain, his own kinsman, who was shot 
from the house ; upon which the colonel himself came up to 
renew the attack, and demand surrendry, and brought them 
to capitulate upon terms of safe quarter. But the colonel 
in base revenge commanded they should not spare that rogue 
Hudson. Upon which Hudson fought his way up to the 
leads, and, when he saw they were pushing in upon him, 
threw himself over the battlements, and hung by the hands, 
as intending to fall into the moat beneath, till they cut oflf 
his wrists, and let him drop, and then ran down to hunt him 
in the water, where they found him paddling with his stumps, 
and barbarously knocked him on the head." " After having 
fallen into the water," says Mr. Wood, "one Egborough 
knocked him on the head witli the but-end of his musket ; 
which, being done, one Walker, a chandler or gTocer in 
Stamford, cut out his tongue, and carried it about the country 
as a trophy." Egborough was soon after killed by the 
bursting of his gun ; and Walker since, through poverty, 
quitted his trade and became a scorn and a by-word to the 
boys when he passed through the streets of Stamford. Stiles 
escaped the massacre and lived till the restoration. 



197 



Humet, William, Lord of Stamford, gave 10 Marcs per 
Annum to the Cistercian Monks of Stamford, 1214. 

HuiTicane. — A post windmill blown down and several 
persons seriously injured by it, November 1, 1740. 

ImprGvement Act. — Tliis "Act for paving, cleansing, and 
otherwise improving the Town and Borough of Stamford, in 
the Counties of Lincoln and Northampton," was passed on 
the 21st of June, 1841 C4.th and bth Vict., cap 69J. 

The following is an epitome of its provisions : — 
There are 27 Commissiouers, whose qiiaUfication consists in being- 
resident inhabitants rated at £20. and upwards : the Mayor is al- 
ways Chairman when present, and the 26 are elected as follows ; — 
All Saints' with Saint Peter 3, Saint George T\i.th Saint Paul 3, Saint 
Michael with Saint Andrew and Stephen 2, Saint John with Saint 
Clements 2, Saint Mary 2, Saint Martin 2, and the Town Coimcil 12 : 
five constitute a quorum. Minute book and books of accounts may 
be inspected by Eate-payers "without fee ; the penalty on the Clerk 
for refusing- is £5. Accoimts to be audited at the first meeting in 
May, when all E,ate-payers and persons interested may be present, 
and, if they think proper, elect three Auditors to audit the accounts 
of the Commissioners, and appeal, if necessary, to the quarter ses- 
sions. Persons erecting projecting buildings may be compelled to 
remove the same at their own cost. Existing projections must be 
removed after 60 days' notice from the Commissioners, for which 
compensation is allowed. Doors and gates must be made to open 
inwards. Houses maybe set forward A\ith leave of the Commission- 
ers. Occupiers to put spouts to their buildings, and conduct the 
water under the causeway to the channel. No stacks or thatched 
houses to be erected within certain hmits. Boards to be set 
up during repairs of houses towards the streets. Penalty on the 
scavengers not watering and cleansing according to the orders of the 
Conunissioners, £5. Occupiers to cause foot-pavements to be SAvept 
and cleansed before 10 o'clock in the forenoon of every Wednesday 
and Saturday: penalty 5s. 

Penalties : — Suffering dogs to go at large after notice given by 
a Justice of the Peace, not exceeding £5. Emptying night-soil be- 
tween 6 in the morning and 11 at night, and carrying away the same 
in an uncovered cart, £2. Blacksmiths not closing their shutters 
within one hour after sunset, £1. Setting a chimney on fire, £o. 
If the chimney of any person catch fire, 10s. A penalty of £2 for 
each of the following offences ; viz. : — Persons using carts drawn by 
dogs. Persons wantonly pelting or driving cattle. Slaughtering 
cattle or dressing carcasses in the streets. Biding on the shafts, or 



198 



^ mthout reins. Driving a horse drawing* a wag-g-on or cart at any 

( faster rate than a common walk. Driving furiously. Baiting a bull, 

c bear, or other animal. Causing any carriage, truck, or barrow to 

( stand longer in the streets than necessary. Leading or riding a horse 

\ or other animal, or driving a vehicle upon any footway, or fastening 

^ a horse or other animal so that it may stand upon or across any foot- 

< way. Leaving furniture or goods on any footway. Blinds in front 
I of shop windows to be 8 feet high. Rolling or caiTying casks of 

< timber, ladders, poles, &c. on any footway. Indecently exposing 
S the person. SeUing or exhibiting profane or indecent books, prints, 
I &c., or writing indecent words on walls, or using obscene language. 

< Blowing horns or using any noisy instrument for the purpose of call- 
^ ing persons together for selling any article, or begging. Discharg- 
\ ing fire-arms. Throwing stones. Making bonfires, and letting off 

< fireworks. Knocking or ringing at doors without lawful excuse. 
\ Extinguishing public lamps. Flying kites. Trundling hoops. 
] Making slides in thoroughfares. Cleansing casks, &c. in streets. 
{ Shaking carpets or rugs in streets after 8 o'clock a.m. Posting bills 
I or writing upon walls without leave of occupier. Leaving open cel- 
{ lar doors. Burning leather or rags. Using threatening or abusive 
I language in the streets. 

\ Persons may appeal to the Commissioners or to Bourn Sessions if 

I unfairly rated. The Commissioners have appointed the first meet- 

< ings in January, April, July, and October, for hearing appeals. 
\ Clerk, Ed. Thompson, Esq., Barnhill; Surveyor, Mr. Wm. Colls, St. 
i George's-street ; Collector, Mr. Jos. Burton, Maiden-lane. 

s Since the passing of the Act, £8000. has been borrowed 
\ and expended in permanent improvements and obtaining the 
I Act, the cost of which was £996. 19. 6. 
\ Only £200. of the mortgages have yet been paid off. 
I Last year (ending May 31, 1846,) the Keceipts amounted 
s to £1639. 7. 8., which were expended as foUow : — 
] £. s. d. 

Balance due to the Treasurers on the last Account. .. 86 1 6 
Amount of Payments for Repairing, Cleansing, and 
"Watering the Streets and Eoads up to the 

6th April, 1846 339 

Amount of Payments for New Drains, Cesspools, Ee- 

pairs of Drains, Grates, &c. &c 152 17 9 

Amount paid for Gas 364 9 8 

Amount paid for Eent of Engine House, &c 8 8 5 

Amount paid for Eate Books, Printing, Advertising, 

&c. &c 11 10 

Amount paid for Salaries to Ofiicers 104 15 



199 



£. s.d. 

Amoimt paid for Interest on Mortgage 315 5 

Amount paid for Income Tax 5 2 6 

Amount paid for Expenses of Meetings 5 15 

Amount paid for Eepairing Public Pumps, WeUs, &c. 8 
Amount paid for Alteration of position of Gas Lamps, 

Lamp Posts, &c 9 11 

Amount paid for Naptha Lamps, Naptha, Sec 24 10 4 

Amount paid for Plans 5 5 

Amount transferred to Principal Account 200 

£1639 7 8 

Independent Chapel. — This is a large brick building situ- 
ate on tbe east side of Star Lane, and erected in 1819, at an 
expense of about £1,800. It measures within the walls 
sixty feet by forty; has a gallery extending along three of its 
sides, and is computed to be able to accommodate about 800 
persons. It is a plain but convenient edifice. The interior, 
however, has an air of neatness not altogether void of ele- 
gance. The Eev. Mr. Cox, author of the Life of Melancthon, 
officiated on its opening to a numerous auditory. 

The Eev. Geo. Wright was minister at this chapel for 22 
years, and was presented with a handsome silver waiter by 
his congregation on his leaving Stamford in January, 1837. 
He was succeeded by the present minister, the Eev. Thos. 
Islip, who, in 1842, was presented with a purse containing 
£S0. as a token of esteem and affectionate regard by his 
flock. 

Adjoining the chapel a large room was built about 1821, 
in which members attended lectures on Monday and Wed- 
nesday evenings. In 1824, on Sundays, also about 100 
children recived instruction gratuitously in reading and 
spelling from persons belonging to the society. About 1842, 
a new school-room was built, and the number of children 
taught on Sundays now exceeds 290. Avery good circulating 
library for the members is also attached to this chapel. 

The first marriage of Dissenters in Stamford took place 
in this chapel on the 9th of September, 1838. 

In the above school-room, during the week, more than 



200 



100 children are taught on the British and Foreign system I 

by Miss Seaton ; the pupils paying weekly a small sum. j 

Infant School. — This excellent institution was opened on > 

the 17th of June, 1833. The house is in North-street, and ) 

had previously been used as a Cholera Hospital. It is \ 

supported by subscrii^tion and the payment of If d. weekly < 

from each child. In June, 1837, 110 children were under > 

instruction. In April, 1846, the number of children was I 

122. The receipts amounted to ^79. 13. 2f., including a > 

donation of £10. from the Marquis of Exeter; 155 subscri- j 

bers at 5s. each; and £8. 16. 1^. from the children. The s 

rent of the school is ^8., and the allowance to the governess \ 

£Sb., and an assistant £4. 14. The balance in hand was I 

£4. 18. 4. \ 

Infirmary (Stamford and Rutland). — This charity, of ^; 

which the late Hemy Fryer, Esq., of Saint Martin's, was the \ 

munificent founder, is one of the most efficient institutions \ 

of its kind. Mr. Fryer died on the 18th of May, 1823, and \ 

his will, which was proved in the Prerogative Court of Can- > 

terbury on the 17th of June in the same year, contained, > 

among other bequests, the following, dated the 10th of Jan- > 

uary, 1822 :— ] 

\ The clause, after setting forth the necessity of an Infir- ^ 

\ mary, bequeaths the residue of his personal estate to be | 

\ invested in the funds, and states that, if within five years a ; 

f General Infirmary shall be established in Stamford, then the \ 

c whole of this sum (£7477.) shall be appropriated to that ob- \ 

\ ject; but if no Infirmary shall be established within the ] 

( time named, then it is to be divided in the following manner, \ 

\ viz. — One-fifth part to the Lincoln County Hospital; one- ? 

\ fifth part to the Northampton County Hospital ; one-fifth > 

\ part to the Leicester Infirmary ; one-fifth part to the Mid- ] 

^ dlesex Hospital, London; and the remaining fifth part to \ 

\ Saint George's Hospital, London. \ 

I William Henry Booth, of Lincoln's Inn, Barrister ut Law, S 

[ and John Yorke, Esq., of Thrapston, were the executors. ) 

[ On the 2nd of July, 1822, a meeting was held at the < 



201 



Town-hall, for the purpose of considering the hest means of 
carrying out the charitable intentions of the Founder. The 
Marquis of Exeter presided, and it was agreed to build an 
Infirmary on a small scale ; a committee was appointed, and 
subscriptions were entered into to a large amount. 

In May, 1826, the Marquis of Exeter conveyed the site of 
the White-friary, at the east end of the town, nearly 2-§ acres, 
at £100. an acre, which had previously been valued at £150. 
per acre. The style of architecture is quite in accordance 
with the religious antiquity of the town : there is a mixture 
of the monastic with the gothic. The architect was a Mr. 
Gandy. The White-friary gateway is now the entrance to 
the Infirmary ; thus fulfilling the ancient prophecy of one of 
I the holy brothers, supposed to be Heston : 
J " Where once the white-rob'd friar with priestly state, 

; Held his hig-h rule within this hallow'd g'ate, 

I Another fryer shall reign with healing- skill, 

I And this blest site continue fryer's stiU." 

> The building was erected and furnished for about £8000., 
X and was opened on the 5th of August, 1828. In 1844, a 
\ Fever Ward was added. 

i The accounts, with a list of of&cers for the current year, 
5 are published annually; from the last of which (ending 
^ January 1, 1846,) we extract the following : — 

) OFFICEES. 

I President. — The Most Honorable the Marquis of Exeter, K.G., Lord 

I Lieutenant of the Counties of Northampton and Butland. 

I Vice-Presidents. — The Worshipful the Mayor of Stamford, the 

> Physicians, and all Benefactors of Fifty Pounds and upwards. 

] Trustees. — The Most Honorable the Marquis of Exeter, K.G., Sir 
I Gilbert Heathcote, Bart., Sir John TroUope, Bart., M.P., 

> Gilbert John Heathcote, Esq., M.P., George Finch, Esq. 

> Treasurers. — Messrs. Eaton, Cayley, and Co. 

I Auditors. — The Venerable the Archdeacon T. K. Bonney, Bev, C. 
] Atlay, Rev. N. Walters. 

> Physicia7is.—W. L. Hopkinson, M.D., A. B. Bro'^\Ti, M.D. 

\ Surgeons.—M. W. Jackson, Esq., W. Burdett, Esq., E. Hatfield, Esq. 

> House Surgeon and Secretary. — Mr. W. Hughes.* 
\ Matron. — Mrs. E. Simpson. 

) * Mr, Woodcock appointed Jan. 13, 1846. — Mr. Hughes resigned. 



202 



The following" Clergymen have voluntarily engaged to Read 
Prayers, &c., three times a week at the Infirmary, in rotation. 



Kev. H. Chaplin. 
■Rev. W. H. Charlton. 
Rev, D. E. Jones. 



Rev. W. Spencer, 
Rev. N. Walters. 
Rev. N. Twopeny. 

Statement of Admissio7is and Discharges of Patients from the 
Opening of the Infirmary, August bth, 1828, to the 1st January , 1846. 

In-Pat. Out-Pat. Total. 

Admitted 2390 9201 11,591 > 

Discharged 2369 9103 11,472 > 

Remain 21 98 119 \ 

DISCHARGED. \ 

In-Patients. Out-Patients. l 

Cured 1444 Cured 6989 { 

ReUeved 1147 \ 

Own Request .... 59 c 

Irregular 413 j 

Incurable 113 I 

Dead 158 \ 

Made In-Patients 224 I 



Relieved 556 

Own Request .... 42 

Irregular 33 

Incurable Ill 

Dead 104 

Made Out-Patients 79 



2369 9103 

Total Number of Patients Vaccinated since August 5, 1828 — 2065. 

Statement of Property Vested in the Public Funds and other 
Securities. 

£. s. d. 
Bequeathed by the late Henry Fryer, 

Esq., invested in the names of the 

Marquis of Exeter, K.G., Sir John 

Trollope, Bart.,M. P., George Finch, 

Esq., and Gilbert John Heathcote, I 

Esq., M.P 4444 8 3— New 3i per Cents. 

Ditto 3775 6 1— 3i per Cents. Red. 

Ditto Five Shares in the Stamford Gas 

and Coke Company, value £50 each. 

BENEFACTIONS. £. S. d 

Money from the Rutland Yeomanry Fund . . . . 1400 

Money from the Ness Yeomanry Fund . . . . 325 

Sir Gerard Noel, Bart. . . . . . . . . 300 

Collection and Benefaction . . . . . . 71 18 



DONATIONS. 

Wm. Hopkinson, Esq. . . . . . . . . 10 

Rev. Thos. Brown . . . . . . . . 50 

Wm. GiUson, Esq. . . . . . . . . . . 10 10 



203 



Eight Hon. the Earl of Gainsborough. . 

Eev. H. Monckton 

Mrs. Hodson 

E. S. Orme, Esq. .. 

Captain H. Orme 

Dowager Viscountess Milton 

Eev. T. T. Hurst .. 

Mr. J. TTeUs 

Eev. E. Brown 

Eev. T. Brown . . 

Eev. G. Osborne 

Jas. Hurst, Esq... 

A Friend 

Mr. Jas. Pridmore, South LufFenham 

A Friend 

Jas. Stevenson, Esq. 

Mrs. Stratford 

LEGACIES. 

Sir J. H. Thorold, Bart. 

Mrs. "VTayet 

George Parker, Esq. . . 

Miss Augusta Hurst 

Col. Pierrepont 

Mrs. Margaret Scott, £50. with £42. 6. 8. Balance of 1835, 

Mrs. Catherine Digby 

John Molecey, Esq. . . 

Dowager Marchioness of Exeter 

Eev. W. Hardyman . . 

Mr. Jas. Derry . . 

£44. 19. 6., part of the Balance of 1836 Infirmary- Account, 

Miss Lucy Gadsby 

Mr. J. Pepper 

Jas. Hurst, Esq... 

N. C. Stevenson, Esq. 

W. Stevenson, Esq. 

Invested in the names of the Marquis of Exeter, K.G., Sir Gilbert 
Heathcote, Bart., and Sir John Trollope, Bart., M.P., £6902. 5. 4. 
Three per Cent. Consols. 

Benefactions amounting to £46. 8. 8., for giving Bibles, Testa- 
ments, or Common Prayer Books to In-patients on their Discharge ; 
invested in the names of Stephen Eaton and Edward Cayley, Esqs., 
T. G. Arnold, M.D., and the Eev. Henry Atlay,— £46. 1. 8— New 3| 
per Cents. 

Donations to Building Fund amounting to £39. 3. ; invested in 
the names of S. E. Fvdell, N. C. Stevenson, J. Eagleton, Esqs,, and 
the Eev. C. P. Belgrave,— £43. 10. 2.-3 per Cent. Consols. 



£. 


s. d 


. 105 





21 





. 20 





5 





. 10 





50 


00 


5 





4 





. 300 





50 





. 50 





200 





. 20 





25 





. 20 





50 





. 100 





. 90 





45 





. 100 





100 





. 450 





0. 

100 





. 90 





500 





. 100 





50 





t. 

18 





. 50 





300 





. 500 





450 






k 



204 



LEGACIES. 



\ 1834. 

< 

\ 1835, 

c 1836, 



1840. 
1843. 



1844.- 



1845.- 



1825, 
1826 

1828, 
1829, 



I 1830, 
< 1831, 



£. 


s. d 


10 





100 





50 





100 





100 


00 


500 





50 





100 





100 






1829.— Mr. P. Fairchild, Grimsthorpe 
1832.— Sir J. H. Thorold, Bart.. Syston Park 

Mrs. Wayet, Stamford 

George Parker, Esq., Edenham (free of duty) 

•Miss Aug-usta Hurst, Stamford (free of duty) 

Col. Pierrepont, Eyhall 

-Mrs. M. Scott, Stamford (free of duty) . . 

-Mrs. C. Digby, Bourn (free of duty) 

John Molecey, Esq., West Deeping 

Mrs. M. Aldwinckle, Stamford 
1837.— The Dowager Marchioness of Exeter (free of duty)500 

Bev. W. Hardyman, North Luffenham (free of duty)100 

-Mr. Jas. Derry, Castle Bytham (free of duty 

-Miss Lucy Gadsby, Saint Martin's . . 

Mr. John Pepper, "Wakerley (free of duty) 

-James Hurst, Esq. (free of duty) . . 

N. C. Stevenson, Esq., Stamford (free of duty) 

William Stevenson, Esq., Stamford 

-Eev. T. T. Hurst, Carlby 



19 19 



DONATIONS, COLLECTIONS, &c. 
-Donation from Corporation of Stamford 
-Concert and Ball at Stamford 
■Produce of Bazaar at ditto 
-Donation from Miss Manners 
Ditto from Butland Yeomanry Fund 
Market Deeping Association 
Theatrical Performance at Stamford 
-Donation from Ness Yeomanry Troop 
Theatrical Performance at Stamford 
-Collection at Saint Mary's Chm'ch, Stamford, after 
a Sermon preached by the Lord Bishop of Lincohi 
1832. — Collection at Saint Martin's Church, after a Sermon 
preached by the Yen. W. Strong, D.D., Arch- 
deacon of Northampton 
1833. — Donation from the Marquis of Exeter, K.G., (to 
balance Treasurer's Accounts of 1832) . . 
Collection at Saint Mary's Church Stamford, after 
a Sermon preached by the Yen. Dr. Goddard, 
Archdeacon of Lincoln 
1838. — Donation from Rev. Thomas Brown 
Donation from Wm. Gillson, Esq. . . 
A further Donation from W. Hopkinson, Esq. . . 
Collection at Ketton Church, after Sermon . . 
Right Hon. the Earl of Gainsborough . . 



50 





20 





50 





300 





500 





500 





5 





100 


00 


42 





1768 


6 9 


200 





1400 





7 





47 





325 






15 16 2 



57 2 1 



5 2 



51 2 3 



19 14 8 
50 
10 10 
10 
3 
105 



; INF 




205 j 




£. 


s. d > 


; 1839.— G. J. Heathcote, Esq., M.P. 


2 


2 


1 Mrs. Hodson . . 


20 


> 


; Eev. H. Monckton 


21 


] 


> E. S. Orme, Esq. 


5 


\ 


? Captain H. Orme . . 


10 


00 \ 


\ Odd FeUows Lodge (Bourn) 


1 


1 \ 


\ laiO.— Hev. T. T. Hurst 


15 





> Moiety of Fines for Cock-fighting at James Deeping 


1 


\ 


^ Dowager Viscountess Milton 


50 


] 


> Mr. John Wells 


4 


\ 


I 1841.— Jas. Hurst, Esq 


200 


I 


I Mrs. Slator . . 


50 


\ 


\ Miss Mossop 


5 


\ 


I Bev. G. Osborne 


50 


> 


I Bev. T. Brown (a second Donation) 


50 


] 


I E. Barber, Esq. 


25 


\ 


\ 1842.— Bev. B. Boon 


5 


\ 


: Bev. E. Brown 


300 


\ 


Mrs. Cutler 


30 


] 


Miss Ht. Hurst 


15 


\ 


Miss Bobinson 


3 


\ 


Miss Barker . . 


20 


\ 


Friend from Oakham 


20 


> 


1843. — Moiety of Fine imposed 


1 


\ 


Friend tlirough the Treasurer 


20 


I 


Gift from Coroner's Jury 





6 \ 


Mr. James Pridmore, South LufFenham 


25 


\ 


1844. — From a Friend 


20 


00 \ 


Mrs. Stratford 


100 


^ 


Jas. Stevenson, Esq. 


50 


\ 


Donation fi'om J. M. 


2 


2 \ 


Fine inflicted by the Magistrates 





40 \ 


1845. — Donation from Bobt. Dawbum, Esq., "Wisbech 


5 


50 \ 


Collected in Charity Box 


14 7 \ 


LIST OF DONOBS DECEASED. 






I Alexander Sir W., Chief Baron . . 


10 


] 


\ Amphlett Bev. Martin, Saint Martin's 


10 


] 


S Atlay Bev. Bichard, Stamford 


21 


> 


> Baker Bev. W., Lyndon 


10 10 I 


> Barker Mrs. Elizabeth, ditto 


10 


:: 


Barker Mrs. Ann, Stamford .. 


20 


I 


Barker Mrs. Mary, Lyndon 


10 


) 


} Barker Samuel, Esq., ditto . . 


100 


> 


< Barker Miss, Lyndon 


20 


] 


> Boon WiUiam, Esq., Gretton . . 

> 


21 


\ 



206 



\ Boon Eev. Eobert, Ufford 

^ Bowker Mr. Alderman, Stamford 

< Brown E., Esq., Stamford 
ij Butt Rev. John, ditto 
s Carey Eev. E., Barrowden 
\ Cardigan Earl of 
I Carbery Lady, Laxton 
c Chapman John, Esq., Stamford 
\ Child Eev. C, Thistleton 

< Cookson Eev. C, Stamford . . 
\ Cooper Benjamin, Esq., Saint Martin' 

< Eaton Stephen, Esq., Ketton . . 
[ Exeter Dowag-er Marchioness of . . 
I Ellicott Eev. John, Exton 
i Foster Eev. T., Tinwell . . 
^ Foulkes Evan, Esq., London . . 
^ Hardyman Eev. W., Xorth LufFenham 
I Hopkinson Eev. J., Market Overton 
{ Hopkinson Eev. S. E., Morton 
i Hotchkin T., Esq., Tixover . . 
^ Hurst Jas., Esq.. Saint Martin's . . 
I Hurst Eev. T. T.. Carlby 
\ Hunt W., Esq., Stamford 

< Judd Samuel, Esq., Saint Martin's 
\ Lamb Eev. J., Stretton . . 
( Langford E., Esq., London .. 
i Lonsdale Earl of . . 

< Lucas Eev. E., Great Casterton 
s Lluellen Eichard, Esq., Saint Martin'i 
I Manly Mr., Stamford 
} Me Guffog Mr. , Stamford . . 
I Merveilleux J. G. de, Esq., Stamford 
i MiUs T., Esq., Stamford . . 
\ Monckton Eev. H., Seaton 

Monkhouse Eev. J., Market Deeping 
Mossop Eev. John, Langtoft . . 
Nevile Eev. H., Cottesmore 
Newcomb Mr. Alderman, Stamford 
Noel Noel Gerard Sir, Bart. 
Noel C. N., Esq., Wellingore .. 
Norris E. Esq., Stamford 
Orme E. S., Esq. 
Parke Eev. T., Stamford . . 
Pepper Mr. Jno.. "Wakerley . . 
Pierrepont Col., Eyhall . . 











£. 


s. d 






55 













. 10 













100 













. 10 













10 10 










. 200 













10 


00 










. 10 













5 


00 










. 21 













21 













. 50 













50 













. 10 













21 


00 










. 50 


00 










50 













. 55 













10 


00 










. 50 













250 













. 15 













2 


2 










. 100 













10 













. 10 













100 













. 100 


00 










31 













. 10 10 










5 


5 










. 21 













11 


17 4 










. 21 













5 


5 










9 













60 


00 










. 21 













1000 













. 50 













21 













5 


00 










10 10 










. 10 













50 


00 



207 



Scott Mr. Alderman, Stamford 

Serocold Eev. J., Saint Martin's . . 

Sheild Eev. H., Preston 

Snow Mrs. and Miss, Clipsham . . 

Stevenson Messrs "W. and N. C, Stamford 

Thompson Cotton, Esq., Ketton . . 

Thompson Thomas, Esq., Tinwell 

Twopeny Eev. E., Little Casterton 

Watson Mrs., Stamford 

"Watson Hon. Henry, Glaston 

"Wayet Mrs., Stamford 

West Mr. Alderman, ditto 

Whitworth E. S. H., Esq., ditto 

Willis John, M.D., Greatford 

Willoughby de Eresby Baroness, Grimsthorpe 

Winchilsea Earl of 

Wingfield Eev. T., Teigh 

BENEFACTOES. 

Ades William, Esq., Oakham 

Arnold T. G., M.D., Saint Martin's . . 

Atlay Eev. Charles, Barrowden , . 

Barker Miss, Lyndon 

Barber E. Esq., Stamford 

Belgrave Eev. Wm., Preston . . 

Brown Eev. E., V.P. 

Brown Eev. Thomas 

Brownlow Earl. V.P., Belton . . 

Brudenell The Ladies 

Cayley Edward, Esq., Stamford . . 

Cecil Lord Thomas, Y.P., 

Chaplin Col., V.P., 

Cust Hon. and Eev. E., Belton 

Cutler Mrs., Stamford 

Dawnay Hon. and Eev. T., Ashwell . . 

Decker Eev. E., Wakerley 

Deering- John Esq., V.P., London . . - 

Doncaster Eev. Dr., Oakham 

Eagleton J., Esq., V.P., Belton 

Exeter Marquis of, E.G., Burghley 

Finch George, Esq., V.P., Buiiey 

Foster Eev. Kingsman, Dowsby . . 

Fydell Samuel E., Esq., V.P., Morcott 

Gainsborough Earl of, Exton 

Gillson William, Esq., Uppingham . . 





£. s. d 




5 




21 




. 50 




55 




. 100 




25 




. 21 


, , 


15 10 




. 10 10 


, . 


50 




. 21 




5 




. 50 




50 


Castle . 


. 100 




200 




. 24 




21 




. 26 




21 




. 20 




25 




. 21 




300 




. 100 


, . 


100 




. 50 




21 




. 50 




50 




. 10 


, , 


30 




. 21 


, . 


10 10 




. 75 




21 




. 50 




600 




. 50 




26 




. 100 


, , 


105 




. 10 10 



I 208 INF 1 


< 

( 
c; 


£. s. d 


< Harrisson Everson, Esq., Tolethorpe 

; Heathcote Sir G., Bart., V.P., Normanton 


21 


.. 500 ; 


< Heathcote Gilbert J., Esq., M.P., V.P., Stocken HaU 


102 2 ] 


f Hinman Kev. John, Market Overton . . 


. . 21 


< Hodson Mrs., Saint Martin's 


20 


i Hopkinson W. L., M.D., ditto 


. . 10 10 


s Hopkinson Wm., Esq., V.P., Stamford . . 


60 


^ Hunt Mr. Alderman Eobert, ditto 


. . 10 10 


^ Hurst Miss H., ditto 


15 


; Jackson T. H., Esq. ditto 


.. 42 


; Johnson Gen., V.P., Witham-on-the-Hill . . 


50 


.> Keal William, Esq., Oakham . . 


. . 10 10 


<, King-sley Eev. C. 


21 OjO 


] Layard Eev. B. V., Uffington. . 


. . 10 10 


i Milton Viscountess Dowager, Milton 


50 


^ Manners Otho, Esq., Goadby . . 


. . 21 


< Marsh Kev. H. C, Barnack 


10 10 I 


« Miles Henry, Esq., London ,. 


.. 21 ^ 


{ Mossop Miss M., Saint Martin's . . 


5 0^ 


\ Noel Hon. Wm., Y.P. 


. . 50 ^ 


< O'Brien S., Esq., V.P., Blatherwycke 


100 > 


\ Osborne Rev. G., Stainby 


. . 50 > 


( Orme Captain H., Stamford 


10 ^ 


c Pegus Eev. P. W., V.P., Uffington . . 


. . 50 ^ 


\ Pochin Kev. George, Glaston 


10 ^ 


^ Potchett Kev. Wm., Grantham , . . . 


. . 10 10 > 


( Pridmore Mr. Jas., North Luffenham 


25 I 


c Keynardson Gen. B., V.P., Holpvell . . 


. . 50 ) 


< Koberts Kev. Thomas, Greatford . . 


40 J 


^ Koberts Kev. Charles, Guilsborough . . 


, . 10 10 i 


\ Sherer J. W., Esq. 


21 ^ 


[ Simpson Mr. Alderman, Stamford 


5 5 


\ Slator Mrs. ditto.. 


50 


^ Smith B., Esq., Horbling 

< Stevenson Jas., Esq., Uffington, V.P. 


. . 21 


50 


( Stratford Mrs., Thorpe Lubbenham . . 


. . 100 


c Thompson William, Escl, Stamford 
{ Torkington J., Esq., V.T., ditto 


10 


. . 50 ^ 


'( TroUope Sir J., Bart., M.P., V.P., Casewick 


100 I 


c Tryon Mrs. Mary, Glaston 


. . 10 ) 


c Walker Thomas, Esq., Stockerston 


40 ? 


\ Watson Jas,. Esq. 


. . 10 10 ^ 


\ WilHs F., M.D., Shniingthorpe 


21 ^ 


c Winchilsea Earl of, Haverholm Priory 


.. 21 


\ Wingfield J. M., Esq., Tickencote 


21 



209 



List of Donations towards the establishment of a 


Building Fund. 




£. s. a 


Barber E., Esq., Stamford 


.. 25 


Boon Kev., R., Ufford . . 


5 


Cutler Mrs., Stamford 


. . 30 


Exeter Marquis of, K.G., Burghley 


20 


Hinman Eev. J., Market Overton 


3 3 


Mansfield Mrs., Leicester 


10 


Mossop Miss, Stamford 


5 


Robinson Miss, Stamford 


3 


Stevenson N. C, Esq., Stamford 


5 


Slator Mrs., Stamford 


50 



Patients are admitted at the Infirmary every Tuesday 
Morning, from Half-past Ten o'clock until Twelve. No 
Patient admitted at any other time, except cases of Accident, 
which are taken into the House at any time without any 
recommendation. 

Donors of Ten Guineas are entitled to recommend one 
Out-Patient annually. Donors of Twenty Guineas, or Sub- 
scribers of One Guinea yearly, are entitled to recommend 
two Out-Patients annually. Donors of Fifty Pounds, or 
Subscribers of Two Guineas yearly, are entitled to recom- 
mend one In-Patient and three Out-Patients, or six Out- 
Patients annually; also a Subscriber of One Guinea yearly, 
in addition to a Donation of Twenty Guineas, shall be en- 
titled to the same privilege. A Subscriber of Three Guineas 
yearly is entitled to recommend two In-Patients and four 
Out-Patients, or ten Out-Patients annually. Donors of One 
Hundred Pounds and upwards, or Subscribers of Five Guineas 
yearly, are entitled to recommend three In-Patients and six 
Out-Patients, or fifteen Out-Patients annually. 

Institution (Literary and Scientific). — This desirable 
Institution was commenced through the persevering endea- 
vours of three or four young men, who, early in 1838, can- 
vassed a few of the scientific gentlemen of the town, and 
met with such support as warranted them in requesting the 
Mayor to call a Pubhc Meeting of the inhabitants. M. W. 
Jackson, Esq., the Mayor, acceded to their request ; and at 
the meeting (which was held on the 5th of June, and was 



I 210 



I well attended), a committee was appointed and subscriptions 

> entered into. The Marquis of Exeter consented to become 

^ Patron, and W. L. Hopkinson, Esq. M.D., President. Mr. 

I Thomas Fricker volunteered to be Honorary Secretary. The 

< affair proceeded so well that the committee were enabled to 
^ take a house in Broad-street (now occupied by Mr. Weddell), 
I and opened it on the 1st of September, with a library, reading- 
? room, and museum ; many of the books and curiosities having 
i been presented by ladies and gentlemen of the town and 

< neighbourhood. 



\ From the report of the first year's proceedings, it appears 

\ that 11 lectures were delivered, and that the donations 

J amounted to &QQ. 1.; annual subscriptions d6l23. 13.; 

I quarterly subscriptions j625. In 1839-40, 10 lectures were 

s delivered, and £30. spent in books. The annual subscrip- 

c; tions were ^120. 19. ; quarterly i^26. 5. The total number 

\ of members was 218. Mr. Fricker resigned the Honorary 

> Secretary-ship in consequence of a resolution to reduce the 
I committee from 30 to 13 members, (those to be elected by 
I vote by all the annual subscribers,) instead of continuing 
^ for life the committee which had been provisionally elected 
I at the public meeting. Mr. John F. Bentley then accepted 
i the office. In 1840-1, the total number of subscribers was 
■> 256. Classes for music, drawing, and chemistry were formed, 

> and several concerts have been given to the members and 
J the public; amongst the chief supporters of this music 

> class were Messrs. Shearman, Layton, Wells, andDesborough. 
<> The other classes did not exist long. The house in Broad- 
\ street being very inconvenient for the Institution, a hand- 
s some building was erected on St. Peters-hill in 1842, at a 
I cost of £1724., of which £ll70.was raised by shares of 
^ £10. each ; donations £335. (including £150. from the 

> Marquis of Exeter) ; and £145. by the proceeds of an exhi- 
l bition at the Midlent Fair, and also by a concert and ball. 
^ The foundation-stone was laid by the Patron on the 22nd 
I of March, and the building was opened on the 8th of Decem- 



< INS 211 

< ' — 

I 

I ber the same year ; processions headed by the Corporation 

i enlivened the scene on each occasion. 

f 

^ The building contains a lecture-room 48 feet 3 inches, by 

\ 29 feet 8 inches, with a gallery round the same, which forms 

I the museum, and contains 650. superficial feet ; library and 

c reading-room 28 feet 6 inches, by 14 feet 6 inches ; news- 

I room, committee-room, entrance hall, laboratory, and apart- 

s ments for the resident (Mr. Blades). On the top is an 

^ observatory and camera obscura, which gives a view of the 

( town and scenery for two miles round, the admission to 

< which is sixpence, except to parties of four persons who are 
j admitted for one shilling : the members are also subject to 
? this additional payment until the debt is reduced. 

I The annual subscribers pay <£l. 1., and the quarterly sub- 

^ scribers 10s. per annum: the latter cannot vote in the 

< election of the committee, nor take out bound books : this 
i regulation is much to be deplored ; as those persons whom 
\ it is expected should be benefitted the most by these Insti- 
\ tutions are mechanics and persons engaged in shops and 
\ of&ces, who cannot afi'ord time to sit there to read, but who 

< could, if they were allowed books at their homes, peruse 
^ them now and then. It is hoped that when the debt of 
> £109. 18. shall have been cleared ofi*, this objectionable 
s rule will be altered, and that more inducements may be held 
^ out to young persons for self-improvement. 

^ In consequence of the great expense incurred in building, 
I the purchases of books have been very small, and only a very 
s few lectures have been delivered. In the last report, 1844-5? 
there were 169 annual and 85 quarterly subscribers. The 
Library now contains about 900 volumes : 14 periodicals are 
regularly taken. The Museum contains many thousand spe- 
cimens of Nature and Art. 

A news-room has also been added, which is formed by a 
separate subscription: the papers taken are The Times (filed). 
Sun, Standard, London Mercantile Journal, Birmingham 
Advertiser, Railway Bell, Stamford Mercury (filed), and the 
Lincolnshire Chronicle. 



212 



Jackson, Cyril — This man was the eldest son of Dr. 
Jackson, an eminent physician of Stamford, and was born 
there in the year 1742. At the age of twelve or thirteen, he 

^ was sent to Westminster school ; and in the year 1760, be- 

\ came a King's scholar on the foundation at that seminaiy. 

i In 1764, he was elected to a scholarship at. Trinity college, 

\ Cambridge ; but having a prospect of a studentship at Christ 

^ church, Oxford, he did not enter at Cambridge, but went to 

i Christ church in the first instance as a commoner, and at 

< the ensuing Christmas was admitted a student of that house 
} by the dean, Dr. Gregory. In this situation he soon distin- 
^ guished himself as a young man of superior talents, indefat- 
^ igable application, and great acquirements. The extent of 
^ his classical learning was marked by an early proficiency in 
i Greek, and a correct and well-gi-ounded knowledge of that 
I rich and dignified language. 

<, He soon attracted the notice and acquired the patronage of 

I Dr. Markham, who succeeded Dr. Gregory as dean; and at 

I the same time that that learned person, who had then been 

<. advanced to the see of Chester, was nominated in 1771, to 

c the honourable post of preceptor of King George IV, the 

i then Prince of Wales, and to the Bishop of Osnaburg, 

I afterwards Duke of York; Mr. Jackson obtained the less 

J distinguished, but more efficient appointment of sub-preceptor. 

< He continued in this station for several years ; and, after 
\ taking orders, was, in 1778, appointed preacher at Lincoln's 
\ Inn. About the same time he was rewarded with a canon's 
\ stall at Christ church; and in 1783, was promoted to the 
\ highest object of his ambition, the deanery of that great 

< foundation. With such a head as Dr. Cyril Jackson, Christ 
^ church, soon after his accession to the deanery, came into 

< the highest repute, its pristine fame and all its proper mag- 
<. nificence was re-established. He continued dean of Clirist 

< church for twenty-six years. 

\ At length he resolved on retirement; and in 1809, he 

\ executed the purpose which for some few yeai's before he 

\ had meditated, and resigned the deanery of Christ church, 



213 



retaining no church preferment whatever, and possessed only 
of a small fortune which he had inherited from his father : 
he was not to be shaken by the proffer afterwards made to 
him by the then Prince Kegent himself, of the most desirable 
bishopric in the realm. He had before also declined accept- 
ing the bishopric of Peterborough. 

At the age of sixty-four he took up his abode at the vil- 
lage of Felpham, on the coast of Sussex, where, dispensing 
aronnd him daily the blessings of the most beneficent and 
unboimded charity, he spent for ten years the residue of his 
life, absenting himself only in occasional visits to his friend 
Dr. Carey, when head master of Westminster school, and in 
paying the duties of fraternal affection to his brother the 
Bishop of Oxford, at Christ Church and CuddesdeB. He 
died in August, 1819. 

Jackson, William. He was the younger brother of the 
preceding gentleman, and was born at Stamford in 1750. At 
an early age he was sent to Westminster school, where he 
was elected a king's scholar on the foundation in 1764, 
being then thirteen years of age. In 1768, he was elected 
firom Westminster, a student of Christ church, Oxford. He 
proceeded to the degrees of BA., M.A., and B.D., in due 
course ; and was for several years a distinguished tntor of 
ine society to which he belonged. During this time he ac- 
cepted the situation of chaplain to Dr. Markham, Archbishop 
:f York, and was indebted to his patronage for a stall at 
^oittliwell, in 1780, a stall at York in 1783, and the Eectory 
CI Bctford, Yorkshire. In the last of these years he was 
appointed regius professor of Greek; and soon afterwards 
one of the curators of the Clarendon press, to which office 
he bestowed much time and attention. About this time also 
he was appointed preacher to the Society of Lincoln's Inn, 
the duties of which he ably discharged until his elevation to 
the episcopal bench. In 1799, Mr. Jackson was promoted 
to a canonry of Christ Church, and took his degree of D.D. 
This preferment was pecuHarly grateful to him, as it did not 
remove him from Oxford, to which place he was greatly at- 



) 214 JEW 

I 

\ taclied. In 1811, the Prince Regent was pleased to bestow 

I on him that dignity which his brother Cyril had repeatedly 

I declined; for, on the death of Dr. Moss in that year, the 

^ Prince personally, and in the most gratifying mode, made 

I him an offer of the vacant bishopric of Oxford ; and in De- 

l cember the doctor was consecrated Bishop. He died in 1815. 

^ Jacobite Riots. — When the nation was agitated in 1714 

] by the death of Queen Anne, the presbyterians, who were 

I whigs, friends to the Hanoverian succession, suffered greatly 

> from the fury of the Jacobites. A frantic mob of this class 
s destroyed the presbyterian chapel which stood in a yard on 
\ the south side of Saint Paul's-street, in Stamford, near the 
? conduit, and burnt the materials in Tenter Meadow. Owing 
\ to the vigilance of Mr. Brookes, the mayor, several of the 
\ abettors of the tumult were imprisoned ; but on the next 
\ market-day a numerous rabble from the adjacent villages 
^ came to the town, and insisted upon the liberation of the 
I captives, on the pain of the mayor having his house pulled 
^ to the ground. Thus threatened, he complied with their de- 
l mands ; and the same night the pulpit, seats, and all that 
I they could move out of the chapel, were burnt. Among the 
^ crowd that surrounded this spectacle was one Roger Dobbes, 
\ a zealous Jacobite, who, spreading his hands before the fire, 
\ called it a * blessed blaze,' and afterwards, with great exul- 
\ tation, lighted his pipe with a splinter of the wreck. After 
<> this event, a troop of dragoons were stationed in the town, 
^ to prevent further eruptions. See Bolton. 

s James I. — On the 24th of March, 1602, King James 

s passed through Stamford ; he was attended by the Corpora- 

> tion on horseback. 

X Jews. — The Jews had a synagogue, library, and schools 

< here, in 1068. This sect was much persecuted at the Mid- 

f lent Fair, 1189 ; all their goods were destroyed, and many 

? of them were murdered. In 1290 they were expelled from 

I England, and their synagogues at Stamford and Huntingdon 

\ were profaned, and their valuable libraries sold by outcry. 



215 ^ 

\ 
\ 

\ 



Johnson^ Robert, was descended from a respectable family, 
wliich, by an alliance with a Welch heii'ess, had added an 
estate at Clun, on the borders of Wales, to their paternal 
property in Lincolnshire. He was the yonnger son (by a 
daughter of Henry Lacey, of Stamford, Esq.) of Maurice 
Johnson, Esq., thrice Alderman of Stamford, and Member 
of Parliament for that borough in 1523, with David Cecil, 
grandfather of the Lord Treasurer Burghley. The Alder- 
man, his father, was a merchant of the staple ; and his 
picture, by Holbein, is at Ayscough-fee Hall, having the 
order of the Bath round his neck. The elder brother was 
Geofii'ey, fellow of Saint John's college, Cambridge, in 1562, 
and minister at Leicester, where he died. 

By the custom of Borough English, Eobert Johnson in- 
herited his father's property in Stamford, while his elder 
brother succeeded to the lands at Clun. He was educated 
at the grammar-school at Peterborough, and was thence 
transferred to Clare-hall, Cambridge. After which he re- 
paired for three years to Paris, and other foreign universities, 
for the purpose of study, by licence under Queen EHzabeth's 
own hand. He likewise travelled into Ireland; and, on his 
final return to this country, he was made chaplain examiner 
to the Lord Keeper, Sir Nicholas Bacon. About this time, 
having removed from Clare-hall, he was fellow of Trinity 
coUege, and M.A. of Cambridge. In 1564 he was incorpo- 
rated to the same degree at Oxford ; he was also twice no- 
minated to stalls in the cathedral at Kochester, which he 
twice resigned. About the same time he was made a pre- 
bendary of Peterborough; and from 1570 to 1575 he filled 
a stall in Norwich. In 1572 he was instituted to a canonry 
of Windsor; and in 1575, when he left the Lord Keeper's 
family, he retired for the remainder of his life to his parson- 
age of North Luff'enham, to which he had been inducted in 
the preceding year. He subsequently proceeded B.D. at 
Cambridge ; and in 1591 was made Archdeacon of Leicester, 
which closed the list of his ecclesiastical preferments. 
Throughout his life he lived in the exercise of dignifie^j 



216 



-\ 



hospitality and extensive charities.^ Yet he added largely to 
his paternal property in Lincolnshire and Rutlandshire; 
and, though never dignified higher than Archdeacon of 
Leicester, (says Fuller,) and though thus hheral in his bene- 
factions, he left to his family £1000. per annum. Besides 
this, his personal property in the house at the time of his 
death was veiy considerable. By an inventory, taken a few 
days afterwards, it appears that his heir found,? in different 
shapes, £5900., (of which £'522. 16. 1. was in ready money,) 
a sum on the whole amounting at the present rate to little 
less than £30,000. He closed a long and useful life at his 
parsonage at North Luffenham in July 1625, about the 85th 
year of his age. 

He was thrice married : first, to Susanna, only sister and 
heiress of Jeremy D avers, of Cambridge, who died without 
issue ; secondly, to Mary, only sister and presumptive repre- 
sentative of the Heads, of Hillingdon and Wootton, by whom 
he had his only child, Abraham, born at North Luffenham 
on the 6th of July, 1577 ; thirdly, (and at an advanced period 

of his life,) to Margaret, widow of Wheeler, and sister 

I of Dr. Lilly. 

J King, Cassandra, was the last person who was condemned 
> to death in Stamford; she was tried for a burglary at Wo- 
s thorpe in 1704. The gallows stood on the " Lings," near 
i the road to Little Casterton. The common story is, that 
( after her execution, proof of her innocence was discovered, 
I and this is the alleged reason for discontinuing capital 
\ punishments here. Her body lies interred in the north-east 

< comer of St. Michael's chui'chyard. 

( King John passed through Stamford on his journey from 
] Suffolk to Lincoln when he was pursued by the Barons in 
{ 1216. 

/ Klip's-hill, or Kilpis-hill, was formerly the name for Bam- 
\ hill : it was called thus from being the residence of a noble 

< Saxon. 

I Lambert, Daniel, was born on the 13th of March, 1770, 
] in the parish of Saint Margaret, at Leicester : he was brought 



217 



up under the eye of his parents till the age of fourteen, and I 
was then placed with Mr. Benjamin Patrick, in the manu- I 
factoiy of Taylor and Co. at Birmingham, to learn the busi- I 
ness of die-sinker and engraver. After four years he left < 
Birmingham and returned to Leicester to his father, who < 
held the situation of keeper of the prison of that town. \ 
Soon afterwards, at the age of nineteen, he began to imagine I 
that he should be a heavy man, but had not previously any J 
indications that could lead him to suppose he should attain \ 
the excessive corpulence for which he was distinguished. ^ 
He always possessed extraordinary muscular power, and at | 
the time we are speaking of could lift great weights, and 
cany five hundred weight with ease. Had his habits been J 
such as to bring his strength into action, he would doubt- \ 
less have been an uncommonly powerful man : he afterwards 
fought a bear in Leicester and came off conqueror. 

His father having resigned the office of keeper of the 
prison, Mr. Lambert succeeded to the situation. It was 
within a year after this appointment that his bulk received 
the greatest and most rapid increase. This he attributed to 
the confinement and sedentary life to which he was now 
obliged to submit, which produced an effect so much the 
more striking, as, from his attachment to sporting, he had 
previously been in the habit of taking a great deal of exercise. 
About the year 1793, when Lambert weighed thirty-two 
stone, he had occasion to visit Woolwich, in company with 
the keeper of the county gaol of Leicester. As the tide did 
not serve to bring them up again to London, he walked from 
Woolwich to the metropUs, with much less apparent fatigue 
than several middle-sized men who were of the party. 

From the age of eight years Mr. Lambert was an excellent 
swimmer ; and such was his celebrity, that aU the young 
people in his native town who were learning to swim resorted 
to him for instruction. His power of floating, owing to his 
uncommon bulk, was so great that he could swim with two 
men of ordinary size upon his back. Mr. Lambert's father 
died about five years after his son's appointment to be keeper 



218 



of the prison, which office he held till 1805. In this situa- 
tion he manifested a disposition fraught with benevolence : 
whatever severity he might he under the necessity of exer- 
cising towards the unhappy objects committed to his care 
during their confinement, he never forebore to make the 
greatest exertions to assist them at the time of their trials. 
Few left the prison without testifying their gratitude, and 
tears often spoke the sincerity of the feelings they expressed. 
His removal from the office was in consequence of a wish 
on the part of the magistrates to employ the prisoners in the 
manufacture of the town. As a proof of the approbation 
which his conduct had merited, they settled upon him an 
annuity of £50. for life, without any solicitation whatever, 
and accompanied with a declaration that it was a mark of 
their esteem, and of the universal satisfaction which he had 
given in the discharge of the duties of his office. 

Finding, at length, that he must either submit to be a 
close prisoner in his own house, or endure all the incon- 
venience without receiving the profits of an exhibition, Mr. 
Lambert wisely strove to overcome his repugnance, and 
determined to visit the metropolis for that purpose. As it 
was impossible to procure a carriage large enough to admit 
him, he had a vehicle constructed expressly to carry him to 
London, where he arrived for the twenty-second time, in the 
spring of 1806, and fixed his residence in Piccadilly. His 
apartments there had more the air of a place of fashionable 
resort than of an exhibition ; and as long as the town con- 
tinued full he was visited by a great deal of the best company. 
The dread he felt on coming to London, lest he should be 
exposed to indignity and insult from the curiosity of some 
of his visitors, was soon removed by the politeness and at- 
tention which he universally experienced. Many of his 
visitors seemed incapable of gratifying their curiosity to its 
full extent, and called again and again to behold what an 
immense magnitude the human figure is capable of attaining; 
one gentleman, a banker in the city, jocosely observed that 
he had fairly had a pound's worth. Mr. Lambert had the 



219 



pleasure of receiving persons of all descriptions and all s 

nations. He was one day visited by a party of fourteen, ^ 

eight ladies and six gentlemen, who expressed their joy at ] 

not being too late, as it was near the time of closing the ^ 

door for the day. They assured him they had come from I 

Guernsey, on purpose to convince themselves of the exist- < 

ence of such a prodigy as Mr. Lambert had been described < 

to be by one of their neighbours who had seen him, adding, I 

that they had not one single friend nor acquaintance in l 

London, so that they had no other motive whatever for their > 

voyage : a striking illustration of the power of curiosity over s 

the human mind. l 

Among the many visitors of JMr. Lambert, the celebrated I 

Polish dwarf, Count Borulawski, was not the least interest- ^ 

ing. The Count, having made a fortune by exhibiting his s 

person, had retired to Durham to enjoy the fruit of his I 

economy. Though in his 74th year, he still possessed all \ 

the gracefulness and vivacity by which he was formerly I 

characterised. Mr. Lambert, during his apprenticeship at > 

Birmingham, went several times to see Bomlawski, and such ^ 

was the strength of the Count's memory, that he had \ 

scarcely fixed his eyes upon him in Piccadilly before he I 

recollected his face. After reflecting a moment, he ex- ^ 

claimed that he had seen the same face twenty years ago, in ] 

Birmingham, but it was not surely the same body. This ^ 

unexpected meeting of the largest and smallest man seemed ^ 

to realise the fabled histoiy of the inhabitants of Lilliput > 

and Brobdignag, particularly when Lambert rose for the piu*- > 

pose of affording the diminutive Count a full view of his I 

prodigious dimensions. In the course of conversation, Mr. > 

Lambert asked what quantity of cloth the Count required I 

for a coat, and how many he thought his would make him. > 

"Not many," answered Borulawski; "I take goot large l 

piece cloth myself — almost tree quarters of a yard." At this ^ 

rate one of Mr. Lambert's sleeves would be abundantly ; 

sufficient for the purpose. The Count felt one of Mr. Lam- \ 

bert's legs : " Ah, mine Got !" he exclaimed, "pure flesh and I 



220 



blood ; I feel de warm. No deception ! I am pleased ; for 
I did hear it was deception." Mr. Lambert asked if his lady 
was alive ; on which he replied, " No, she is dead, an(J 
(putting his finger significantly to his nose) I am not very 
sorry, for when I afiront her, she put me on the mantel-shelf 
for punishment." 

After a residence of about five months in the metropolis, 
where we believe his success was fully adequate to his most 
sanguine expectations, Mr. Lambert returned in September, 
1806, to his native town. From that period to his death, 
Mr. Lambert continued to travel, gratifying the curiosity of 
his countiymen ; and again visited London in March, 1807. 
On Tuesday morning, June 20, 1809, he arrived, from 
Huntingdon, at the house of Mr. Berridge, the Waggon and 
Horses (now the Marquis of Granby Inn,) in St. Martin's, 
Stamford, where preparations were made for his receiving 
company the next day and during the then ensuing races ; 
but before nine o'clock on the following morning, the 21st, 
he had paid the debt of nature, without any previous sick- 
ness to indicate the approach of his dissolution. 

]Mr. Lambert's height was 5 feet 1 1 inches ; 3 yards 4 
inches round the body ; a yai'd and an inch round the leg : 
his weight, a few days before his death, was found by the 
Caledonian balance to be 52 stone 11 pounds (14 pound to 
the stone). His coffin measured 6 feet 4 inches long, 4 
feet 4 inches wide, 2 feet 4 inches deep, and contained 112 
superficial feet of elm. It was built upon two axletrees and 
four clog wheels, and upon these his remains were, at about 
half-past eight o'clock on Friday morning the 23rd,* drawn 
to the new burial-gi'ound in Saint Martin's, Stamford. His 
grave was dug with a gi-adual sloping for many yards, and 
upwards of 20 men were employed for nearly half an hour 
in getting this enormous mass of putridity into its " narrow 
ceU." Notwithstanding the early hour at which he was 
buried, a great concourse of people, "youth and hoai* age," 
were assembled. 

In about the centre of the new burial-ground, which is 



221 



situated a few yards south-east of the one in which the 
church stands, is a black slate, inscribed with gilt letters, to 
the memory of that immense mass of mortality, Daniel 
Lambert : — i 

Alius in Animy), in Corpore Maximum. \ 

In remembrance of that prodigy in nature, \ 

Daniel Lambert, a native of Leicester, \ 

who was possessed of an exalted and conYivial mind ; \ 

and, in personal greatness, had no competitor : 5 

he measured 3ft. lin. roimd the leg, ]^ 

9ft. 4in. roimd the body, > 

and weighed 52st. 111b.! 

He departed this life on the 21st June, 1809, aged 39 years. < 

As a testimony of respect, ^ 

this stone is erected by his friends in Leicester. ^ 

Mr. James Dixon, of the Daniel Lambert Inn, St. Martin's, 
has a suit of this great man's clothes, which has been ex- 
hibited to hundreds ; on the 3rd of July, 1846, they were 
shown as a contrast to a dwarf called General Tom Thumb 
at Stamford. 

Charles S. Stratton, alias General Tom Thumb, was bom 
at Bridgport, Connecticut, United States, January 11, 1832. 
His exhibiters state that he increased in size until he reached 
the age of seven months, when his stature ceased to grow, 
although he became a little robust, and his mental powers ] 
sustained no check. Tom Thumb is 25 inches high, perfect \ 
in his proportions, and weighs only 15 pounds 2 ounces. > 
He came to England in 1844 ; and, after being exhibited to > 
the Queen, made a tour through the country, realizing an > 
immense sum : he has also visited the courts of France and \ 
Spain. \ 

Langley (Edmund), Duke of York, was Lord of Stamford \ 
in 1360 ; and the Duke xlumerle, his son, succeeded him. > 
The latter died at the noted battle of Agincourt, having, by > 
his own desire, led the front of the onslaught. His nephew, > 
Piichai'd Plantagenet, Lord of Stamford, demanded the throne > 
by a rightful but ill-timed claim : he was stricken down in \ 
battle, and his head was encircled by a diadem of paper, \ 



222 



placed round it by Margaret of Anjou, and fixed over the 
walls of York : " So York shall overlook the town of York." 
His eldest son became King Edward IV : he bestowed the 
town and castle on his mother, the Duchess of York, a lady 
who lived to see three children crowned and four murdered. 

Langton (John), was an ingenious caligrapher, and taught 
writing and arithmetic at Stamford. He says, that in 1700 
he revived the art of glass-painting, staining, and tinging, 
in the way of the ancients, and made a new discovery of 
colours for painting flowers and fruits on white glass. " In 
the east window of Saint George's church, in Stamford," 
says Mr. Howgrave, " there is painted in glass our Saviour 
blessing the Elements : this was done by Mr. John Langton? 
who was a very great writing-master in his way, as his books, 
which are in the hands of his widow, sufficiently testify." 
Some of these have since been published : a copy-book of 
Italian-hand, containing twenty-one plates, was dedicated to 
Lady Elizabeth Cecil, being composed for her use. He had 
the honor of presenting one of his manuscripts to Queen 
Anne, comprehending all the varieties and graces of penman- 
ship. It is thus worded : — " To the most sacred and serene 
Princess Anne, Queen of Great Britain, France, and Ireland, 
this piece of penmanship, containing all the usual hands 
practised in your Majesty's dominion, is most humbly dedi- 
cated and presented, by your Majesty's most dutiful and 
loyal subject, John Langton." He presented a copy of the 
original to the Eai'l of Exeter, from whom he received a li- 
beral reward; it now has a place in the Jewel Closet at 
Burghley. Mr. Langton lived opposite to Saint George's 
church, in the house occupied by Mr. Hare, painter. 

Latimer (Hugh), the celebrated Reformer, Bishop of 
Worcester, preached at Stamford October the 8th, 1550. 
His discourse was upon these words : " Render, therefore, 
unto Caesar the tilings which are Caesar's, and unto God the 
things which are God's." This pious man was burnt at the 
stake in Smithfield five years afterwards. 

Law Terms were held at Stamford in 1076. 



223 



Libraries. — Libraries were established in all the monas- 
teries in 1087. 

The Stamford Subscription Library is held on the premises 
of Mr. Sharp, bookseller, High- street : it was established 
about 1770, and contains nearly 7000 volumes of Standard 
Works selected from every branch of literature. For the 
purpose of affording facility to readers of every taste, a sub- 
scription of eight guineas annually is paid to one of the best 
London libraries ; by which means, a constant supply of 
books of ephemeral character, and which would be valueless 
on the shelves of a permanent library, is kept up to meet 
the requirements of those whose reading extends occasionally 
to, or consists wholly of, such Light works of the day, as 
it would be injudicious on the part of the managers to 
purchase. This library contains upon its permanent shelves, 
most of the works of a really valuable and standard character, 
which have been published since the date of its establish- 
ment. The number of subscribers, however, is much smaller 
than is proportionate to the value of the library : it contains 
the names of the Most Hon. the Marquis of Exeter, the 
Members for the Borough, George Finch, Esq., M.P. for Rut- 
land, and many of the Clergy and Gentry of the neighbour- 
hood. It is governed by a President (the Rev. D. E. Jones,) 
and a Committee, who hold their meetings on the second 
Tuesday in every month. The government some years since 
presented to this library 53 thick folio volumes of the Parlia- 
mentary and Legal Records of this country, going back about 
two centuries and a half. The annual subscription to the 
library is one guinea, and every subscriber is a proprietor. 
Any respectable person may become such, without a ballot, by 
paying into the hands of Mr. Sharp, Secretary, Treasurer, 
and Libraiian, one guinea entrance, and a year's subscription 
in advance. The number of subscribers is now upon the 
increase. 

Mr. Martin's Circulating Library is kept in All Saints'- 
street ; it consists of upwards of 4600 volumes, chiefly ro- 
mances, novels, &c. Mr. M. procures every principal work 



224 



of the kind as soon as published. It was established on the < 

9th of December, 1826, and is supported by annual subscri- < 

bers, and by casual readers who pay so much per volume. \ 

This is the largest Library of its kind within many miles of \ 

Stamford. < 

Mr. Johnson's Public Library and News' Room, St. Mary's- \ 

hill, was established at the beginning of the year 1845 ; and i 

although at present it cannot boast of much extent, its \ 

apparent success and prosperity demands our notice. The \ 

subscribers (the number of which is not limited,) are at \ 

present about 50, whose annual subscriptions are 12s. each. \ 

The library consists of all the principal periodicals of the \ 

day, with about 500 volumes of books in various branches I 

of literature ; added to this, the subscribers are privileged to \ 

read the following papers, viz : — The Morning Times ; \ 

Daily News; Evening Sun; Globe; Illustrated London < 

News ; Pictorial Times ; Stamford Mercury ; Lincolnshire \ 

Chronicle ; Lincolnshire, Boston, and Stamford Herald. ^ 

Lindsey (Earl of). — Albemarle George Augustus Bertie, > 

was born November the 4th, 1814 ; succeeded his father the { 

9th Earl, September the 18th, 1818. His Lordship is bro- < 

ther to Lady Charlotte Elizabeth Bertie, who married July s 

the 20th, 1833, Sir Josiah John Guest, Bart., M.P., and to \ 

the Hon. Montague P. Bertie, who was born December the \ 

26th, 1815, and half-brother to Mary Antoinette (only sur- \ 

viving daughter of the Rev. Peter William Pegus, by Char- <> 

lotte Susanna Elizabeth, Countess Dowager of Lindsey), \ 

who married April the 9th, 1844, Charles Gordon, Earl of \ 

Aboyne. The Earl of Lindsey resides at Uffington House. > 

Lose-coat Field. — See Battles. \ 

Louis, son of Philip II, King of France, at Stamford, 1216. \ 

Lullendune (William), Warden of the White-friary at \ 

Stamford, about 1315, was appointed Provincial of that I 

order in England, Cyprus, and the Holy Land. He wrote \ 

learned lectures, sermons, and commentaries on St. \ 

Matthew's gospel. His death took place about 1319, when \ 

he was buried in the fiiai'y. I 



225 \ 



Magna Charta, — This great bill of tlie rights of English- 
men was signed by King John, at Eimnimede, by the advice 
of William Earl "Warren, June the loth, l'2lD.—^See Barons. 

Maiden-lane is a narrow street, leading from High-street, 
near the Portico, to the east end of Saint Mary's-street. 
Under a chamber window at the Exeter's Arms public-house, 
about the middle of the east side of this lane, is a very 
ancient wood carving intended to rejjresent the arms of the 
Digby family, viz : Azure, a fleur de lis argent ; SMpported 
by two monkeys proper, environed about the middle and 
chained or : crest ; on a wreath, an ostrich argent, holding 
in its beak a horseshoe or. This family, connected by mar- 
riage with that of the Earl of Gainsborough, possessed con- 
siderable estates in the adjoining county of Rutland; and 
the building on which these grotesque figures are preserved 
probably formed part of their town residence. 

Manor. — Stamford continued in the Crown until Henry II, 
about 1170, gave it to Eichard de Humez, who was Sheriff 
of Rutland from 1164 to 1180. William de Humez, his son, 
Justice of England, succeeded him in 1203, but King John 
deprived him of the town and castle in 1206, and gave them 
to WiUiam, Earl Warren, whose ancestors were Earls of 
Warrena, in Normandy ; the King also gave him the manor 
of Grantham, and the castle and honor of Eye, Suffolk, but 
he was not to tax the people of Stamford without the King's 
precept. After his death, it was granted by John, Earl of 
Warren, to Edward the Eirst, and by the King re-granted to 
the said Earl, for the term of his life ; on whose demise, by 
a previous agreement, it reverted again to the Crown. After 
many grants, and as many reversions, arising from forfeiture, 
or failure of male issue, the manor was given, by Queen 
EUzabeth, to William Cecil, first Lord Burleigh, or Burgh- 
ley; and by marriage of Anne, daughter and co -heiress of 
WiUiam Earl of Exeter, and Bai'on Bm-ghley, it descended, 
to Henry Grey, the second Baron Grey, of Groby, in 
Leicestershire, who was created Eaii of Stamford in 1628; 
and that title is now held by his descendant, the present 



226 



Earl of Stamford and Warrington, and Baron Grey and De- 
lamere ; but he has no property in the town or neighbour- 
hood. Hany, the fourth Earl of Stamford, married the 
heiress of the second Earl of Warrington, and sold the manor 
of Stamford, in L747, to Brownlow Cecil, Earl of Exeter ; 
and it is now held by his descendant, the Marquis of Exeter. 

Markets. — In 972, King Edgar granted to Stamford the 
privilege of holding markets for all kinds of produce. Henry 
II, in 1 182, gave the town a market, with the right of taking 
tolls, which were paid on the toUing of a bell ; from which 
the present custom of tolling the bell at the commencement 
of the corn-market originated. The Sheep-market was 
formerly held on Barn-hill, but was removed in 1782 by the 
Corporation, who received £100. towards the alterations as 
a donation from the Earl of Exeter. The Market days are 
Monday, Wednesday, and Friday ; but the latter is the chief 
day. The Market for butter, poultry, haberdashery, &c., is 
kept in Eed Lion-square; for vegetables in Ironmonger- 
street; and for corn, cattle, vegetables, glass, and earthen- 
ware, in Broad-street. The Marquis of Exeter now collects 
the stallage. — See Butchers Shambles, and Corn-market, 

The Gentleman's Magazine for November, 1762, says, — 

At St. Simon and Jude's Fair, at Stamford, horses, beast, and 
sheep sold extremely low, occasioned by the scarcity of winter 
fodder : a poor woman sold a cow for half a guinea, declaring- she 
must either sell her or give her away, for she had nothing- to keep 
her with. Several were sold for 15s. each ; and horses that some 
time ago Avould have brought six or seven pounds, were now sold 
for two guineas and a half, or fifty shilling-s. 

Marquis of Granby, the eldest surviving son of the Duke 
of Rutland, by the Lady Elizabeth, fifth daughter of Frede- 
rick fifth Eaii of Carlisle. Charles Cecil John Manners^ 
the present Marquis of Granby, was bom May 16th, 1815 : 
he succeeded George Finch, Esq., as Member for Stamford, 
in 1837 : he was appointed a lord of the bed-chamber to 
Prince Albert in December, 1843, and held the appoint- 
ment till the spring of 1846. 

Methodist Cha.pel. — This chapel is situated nearly on the 



MIR 227 > 

top of Bam-liill, and is a neat structure, Tvith a front of ] 

freestone, on which are emblematic representations of Faith, > 

Hope, and Charity. It was erected at an expense of about > 

£800., in the year 1804, by Frances Treen, a maiden lady, ^ 

who resided in Stamford, and who gave it during her life to > 

Eobert Carr Brackenbury, Esq., of Ptaithby, in this county, \ 

together with a neat house (which she also built) standing ^ 

in the chapel-yard, to be appropriated to the use of the ? 

minister for the time being. The chapel measures, within ] 

the walls, forty-four feet by thirty-two, had a spacious gal- ] 

lery in the west end only, but about the year 1838, galleries I 

were erected at the sides, and it is supposed now to be able I 

to accommodate upwards of 600 persons. There is also a I 

school-room, where nearly 200 children are gratuitously ? 

taught to read and spell on Sundays. > 

Mint for Coining. — In 926, King Athelstan granted to > 

the monastery of Peterborough the privilege of coining | 

money: this was confirmed by Edgar in 972, and again by > 

the Pope in 1145. The mint was situated in St. Martin's, ? 

but its exact site is not known. > 

Miracle. — A tale is stiU current that a Miracle was per- J 

formed here in 1658, on the person of Samuel Wallis, a ^ 

shoemaker, who had been afflicted four years, and which ^ 

brought him into a consumption. The story is, that on ? 

Whitsunday a stranger called at the house of Wallis, and I 

begged some small beer ; he then gave his host the follow- J 

ing directions, which were written by Wallis himself. ^ 

s 

To-morrow when thou risest, go into thy garden, and there ^ 

gather two red sage leaves and one bloudwort leaf, and put those I 

three leaves into a cup of small beer, and let them lye in the cup > 

the space of three dayes together ; drinke as oft as need requires ; > 

and, when thou hast drunke if all off, fill the cup againe. But ob- ? 

serve this thing, that thou let the leaves remaine still in the cup ; j 

but the fourth day in the morning cast them away, and put in three < 

more fresh. The fourth day is the first of the three again. And '? 

thus do every fourth day in the morning for twelve dayes together, > 

neither more nor less. Therefore I pray thee remember my words, ^ 

and observe them, and do it ; but, howsoever thou doest, above all ; 

things fear God and serve him. And for the space of these ^? 



228 



twelve dayes, thou must drink neither ale nor strong beer ; yet 
afterwards thou maist, a little ; and thou shalt see, through the 
goodness and mercy of God unto thee, that before these twelve 
dayes be forth, thy disease will be cur'd, and thy body alter'd. Wal- 
lis adds, that he attended to these instructions, and in a few days he 
was cured. 

It is hardly necessary to point out, that the remedy was 
by a medicine which, according to Culpepper's Herbal, 
seems very likely to work a cure for that particular disease, 

if taken in time. \ 

Murders. — Elizabeth Longfoot murdered at Easton, > 

March 6th, 1838. — See Jews and Bolton. \ 

Newspapers. — The first newspaper published in England \ 

was dated July 23, 1588 ; it was designed by the Lord Trea- J 

surer Burghley, to answer the same purpose as the present > 

London Gazette, < 

The first Stamford Mercury was printed by Thompson \ 

and Bailey, in the house now occupied by Miss Booth, in i 

Saint Martin's, about 1712. Shortly after, however, the j 

Corporation having ofi'ered the publishers the freedom of the ? 

Borough, on condition that they printed aU their ofiScial \ 

papers gratis, they removed their office to Broad-street. It ^ 

was afterwards printed by Francis Howgrave ; then by Peet \ 

and Newcomb; and subsequently by Newcomb and Son; \ 

and so it continued until the death of Mr. Alderman Richd. ( 

Newcomb, who died on the 21st of May, 1834, in his 74th J 

year, having been a proprietor of the Lincoln, Rutland, and { 

Stamford Mercury for 48 years. Mr. Richard Newcomb is < 

the present Proprietor. < 

The size of the Mercury at different periods was as follows : s 

— 1716, twelve pages, each 8 in. by 6 in. ; published by < 

Thomas Bailey and William Thompson on Thursdays, price \ 

l:|d. 1730, eight pages, each 9§in. by 8 in., price Ifd. \ 

Between 1730 and 1760, the day of publication was altered \ 

to Friday. 1768, folio, the whole sheet measuring 21 in. \ 
by 16i in. 1790, 25 in. by 19 in. 1800, 27^ in. by 20 in. 

1810, 31iin. by 21^ in., price 6§d. (duty 4d.) 1830, 37 in. < 



229 



by 23 in. 1835, 39 in. by 25 in. 1837, 43 in. by 27 in.— 
From September 16, 1836, the stamp duty being reduced to 
Id., the charge was altered to 4§d. 1840, 48 in. by 30 in. 
1846, 48 in. by 32. 

Average circulation: — 

1830, 4600 copies, and remained about the same until 
August, 1836, when it was 4800, at 7d. The duty was re- 
duced in September, and in October the number was 5600 
at 4id. 1837, 7300. 1838, 7600. 183^, 8200. 1840, 
8400. 1841, 9000. 1842, 9500. 1843, 9800. 1844, 
9900. 1845, 10,200. 1846, 10,500 (average on 6 months 
only). The advertisement duty paid for the year ending 
December, 31, 1845, was JBIOII. 18. 

The Lincoln, Rutland, and Stamford Mercury is now the 
oldest paper, and has the largest provincial circulation of 
any in England : in the last return to the House of Com- 
mons, it appeared that, in the last six months of 1843, the 
total number of stamps taken from Somerset House were — 
Stamford Mercury . .2^0,000 and duty ^6429 12 

Leeds Mercury 207,000 and duty jC474 3 

the difference of duty in favor of the latter being caused by 
the large trading population of Leeds, which is about twelve 
times larger than that of Stamford. 

Another paper was commenced about 1792 by Mr. Harrod, 
which was shortly afterwards discontinued. 

In October, 1809, the Stamford News was commenced by 
Mr. Drakard, by whom it was continued until 1834 : it was 
published on Friday mornings. 

For some years the News was conducted by Mr. John 
Scott, whose publications on France and other literary pro- 
ductions were much noticed. He was a native of Aberdeen, 
at which city he received his education. While very young 
he went to London, and was employed in the War-of&ce ; 
but his taste for politics and literature soon induced him to 
quit this situation. He then commenced the publication of 
a weekly paper called the Censor, and was afterwards en- 
gaged as editor of the Statesman, an evening paper, and 



\ 230 



successively of tlie Stamford NewSy Champion, and London 
Magazine. A series of articles in the latter publication, on 
the conduct of Blackwood's Magazine, led to a duel between 
Mr. Scott and Mr. Christie, in which the former was mor- 
tally wounded: he lingered about ten days, and expired 
February the 13th, 1821. 

The News (says Mr. Drakard) commenced under very 
unfavourable auspices, for it may readily be conceived that 
an independent print would have much to contend against 
in the centre of a district where a corrupt and aristocratical 
influence is almost unbounded. The perseverance and un- 
relaxed industry of the proprietor, however, surmounted 
these difficulties, though not without his having been a 
sufferer (by fine and imprisonment) for the cause which he 
had espoused. 

Mr. Drakard also published the Stamford Champion, on 
Tuesdays: it commenced Jan., 1830, and discontinued about 
1833. "Price 3d., and tax, to prevent the poor reading, 4d." 

On the 5th of November, 1830, a few of the Conserva- 
tive party started the Bee ; it was printed in a house in 
Broad-street, now occupied by Mr. Weddell. The Bee soon 
proved too dronish for the pockets of its projectors, and 
died in about two years. 

The Conservatives of Stamford and its neighbourhood 
then formed a company, consisting of £25. shares. This 
company, on the 4th of January, 1833, published the 
Lincolnshire Chronicle, at a house in Broad-street, now oc- 
cupied by Mr. H. S. Keynolds' Academy. About 1834, it 
was removed to its present site, near Brown's Hospital, but 
the office, types, and machinery were destroyed by fire in 
1843. [The Author here wishes to correct a paragraph in 
page 179 ; it should state, that the editor resigned in conse- 
quence of a close investigation of his conduct by the pro- 
prietors, and not that he was discharged.'] 

The proprietors then leased the paper to Mr. Henry Bel- 
lerby and Son, of York, by whom it is now conducted. The 
Lincolnshire Chronicle was a large folio until January, 1846, 



231 



wlien it was enlarged, and made quarto : the whole sheet 
measures 46 inches by 34 inches. 

It cannot be expected that a new paper could make a very- 
effectual opposition to so old-established a concern as the 
Mercury : the following figures are extracted from the 
returns made to Parliament : — In the six months ending 
June, 1840, the number of stamps taken from Somerset 
House for the Lincolnshire Chronicle, was 39,500, or 1500 
per week. In the three months ending March 31, 1841, 
21,000 stamps were taken, giving an average of 1600 per 
week. In the last returns, published for the six months 
ending December 31, 1843, the number of stamps taken 
was 37,000, and the advertisement duty for the same 
period was £142. 13. 

Mr. Fricker, on leaving the Chronicle, purchased the 
Boston Herald, which then only circulated about 210 copies 
per week : under the new management it was entirely re- 
modelled, and styled " The Lincolnshire, Boston, and Stam- 
ford Herald.'^ The Stamp Returns for six months, ending 
December 31, 1843, gives 6,500 stamps, and advertise- 
ment duty, during the same period, 5934. 10. A very small 
number of these papers are circula^ted in Stamford. 

Neicstead Priory was situated on the river Guash, and 
stood within a few yards of the present mill. It was 
founded by William de Albini, third Earl of Arundel, and 
Lord of Uffington, and confirmed by Edward III., in 1337. 
WiUiam de Albini was one of those barons who resisted 
King John, and for which he was excommunicated by the 
Pope. He died at Uffington in 1236: his heart was buried 
at Belvoir, and his body in this priory. 

William de Aubigny the third, g-ave to this Hospital of the In- 
vocation of the Blessed Virgin of his own foundation, and seated 
at the bridge of Wass, between Stamford and Offington, the place 
where the chapel of the Blessed Virgin Mary stood, with the court 
adjoining the mill at Offington, with other lands particularly de- 
scrib'd in his deed ; as also the tithe of all the bread of his house. 
He likewise ordained, that the master of the hospital should be a 
priest and canon regular, and to have another canon with him to 



\ 232 



say mass for the living and the dead, 'uith proper ministers to as- I 

sist them ; that seven infirm poor persons should be maintained out { 

of the revenues of the hospital, allowing- them necessary food and > 

cloathing-, with seven beds for them to lye in, and all thing's there- > 

unto belonging ; and in case the revenues should increase, the > 

number of poor to be also augmented. By another deed the said I 

founder confirm'd his former, and added other donations, ordaining ] 

that there should be two priests, one of them to say mass every ? 

day for the dead, and the other according to the time ; as also one ^ 

deacon and one clerk to serve the said priests, and thirteen beds I 

for poor. William de Aubigny the fourth confirm'd all his father's ) 

grants by particular deed ; as did King Edward III. in the eleventh > 

year of his reign, reciting in his charter all the particular dona- ? 

tions. — DugdaWs Monasticon. \ 

In the taxation of the temporalities of the clergy, in > 

1292, are these particulars : — > 

The prior of Newstead without Staunford has, \ 

£ s. d. \ 

In the Deanery of Staunford 9 3 \ 

In the Deanery of Botleshawe..(Beltisloe).. 1 14 | 

In the Deanery of Boteland (Rutland) . . 5 19 11 I 

In the Deanery of Colyngham..(Collingham) 10 ) 

In the Deanery of Nesse (Ness) 12 > 

In 1424, Koger Flower, of Oakham, left the prior and ] 

canons of this house a legacy of 13s. 4d. Dugdale values > 

it at its dissolution at £37. 6., and Speed at a042. 1. 3. \ 

In 1725, the site was in the possession of Charles \ 

Bertie, Esq., and subsequently belonged to William Steven- I 

son, Esq., of Stamford, and at his death descended to i 

the Rev. H. W. Bellairs. \ 

Nunnery of St. Augustine. — This convent, which was ^ 

situated at Great Wothorpe, is supposed to have been I 

founded by Edmund, Eaii of Woodstock. The following ^ 

list of Prioresses appear in the Lincoln Registers. ^ 

Diotiisid de Caldwell a nun of Saint Michael's was chosen prioress, ^ 

and the election was confirmed by the Bishop of Lincoln, on the ^ 

fourth of the calends of July, 1224. j 

Maud de Glinton, died 1288. > 

Isoda de Wii^thorp. I 

Ascelina, a sister of the convent, who through levity of mind re- > 

signed her office ; but in 1296 was re-admitted. I 

Isolda. \ 

Emma de PincebeJc in 1312 was chosen. I 

Agnes Bmves was collated by the Bishop in 1349. I 



233 



A great pestilence happening this year, many of the ? 

nuns died, and the rest (save one) fled. In ] 353-4, I 

Thomas Lord Holland, the patron, having represented the s 

affairs of this convent to the King, it was united to the I 

nunnery of St. Michael, at Little Wothorpe, and the reve- ^ 

nues were granted to support the church at Great Wothorpe, > 

which was a village until after 1540. > 

Nunnery of St. Michael. — Ahout November, in 1156, ^ 

William de Waterville, Abbot of Peterborough, founded I 

and built the church of the blessed Michael the Archangel ^^ 

there, in which he assembled no less than 'forty holy virgins, > 

living regularly in religion and pure virginity". The nuns > 

were to pay an annual acknowledgment of a noble of I 

silver to the chanter, and ten shillings to the sacristan of ^ 

Peterborough Abbey. In 1157, the founder gave them ^ 

the church of St. Martin, which was afterwards con- { 

firmed by Oliver Sutton, Bishop of Lincoln, and the > 

revenues of the church of St. Firman, at Thurlby, for I 

which they paid to the abbey a mark of silver annually, i 

one part at Easter, and the other at Michaelmas; accord- i 

ingly the nuns presented a vicar to these churches until the ^ 

30th of Henry VIII., when it was dissolved. The holy S 

nuns also acknowledged their subjection to the Abbey, by ^ 

an annual pension of half a mark of silver, to be paid to ^ 

the Almnerer, towards mending the books, the morrow after ^ 

the feast of St. Michael. These grants of the Abbots were ^ 

confirmed by a charter of Henry II. Immediately after it > 

was founded, Eoger de Torpel and Asceline de Waterville, > 

became benefactors, the former giving part of the church :J 

of St. John, at Corby, and the latter five bovates of land in I 

Corby, for the pui-pose of cloathing the nuns. Richard de ? 

Humez, in 1170, gave them St. Andrew's Church, at Stam- ; 

ford; and Achard de Stamford gave them All Saints > 

Church, to both of which they presented vicars. Lucia > 

de Humez, wife of William, constable to King John, gave > 

them half a mark, arising from her estate at Bredcroft, on I 

condition that they should pray for her while living, and J 



234 



observe the anniversary of her death. She afterwards 
gave another half mark from the same lands, the deed of 
which gift is in the possession of the Marquis of Exeter. 

King John (who it is supposed had a house at King's 
Cliffe) granted the nuns a load of dead wood yearly from 
the forest of Cliffe. About 1226, WilUam de Langvale 
gave the Church of St. Clement's, in Stamford, to which 
they presented a vicar until the dissolution. 

Matilda de Diva and Hugh her son gave the third part 
of the church at Corby. She also presented her servant, 
Adelicia de Capeni with a bovate of land and houses at 
Corby, which was afterwards given to the holy sisters by 
the said Adelicia. About 1242, Lord Haman de Peche 
gave the other third part of the Church of Corby. Wil- 
liam, Earl Warren, gave an annual rent charge of forty 
shillings out of the mill at Wakefield, on condition that 
they celebrated the anniversary of Helias de Mai-nile, 
widow, yearly, on the vigil of St. George ; and Alice de Water- 
ville, a virgate of land with a toft and a croft, at Ashby in 
Northamptonshire, worth eight shillings yearly, for keeping 
the anniversary of her own and her daughter Cicely's death : 
the original deed and seal of the last gift, are also in the 
possession of the Marquis of Exeter. For the better govern- 
ment of the convent, there was also a Prior, who was to 
have the management of its affairs, hear the nuns' confessions, 
and officiate in divine offices. 

The office of Prioress being vacant in the time of 
Bishop Grosthead, he called upon the Abbot of Peter- 
borough to show the right of that Monastery to the Con- 
vent of St. Michael, which the Abbot did to the satisfac- 
tion of the Prelate. The only Prioress whose name is 
known, was Mabilia le Venur, who held this office in 1306. 
In 1296, three of the nuns were excommunicated for mal- 
treating a sister, named Emma, of Easton. In 1396, Ed- 
mund, Duke of York, and Lord of Stamford, granted the 
nuns letters of protection. 

The Monastery was dissolved in 1539, and its value is 



235 



stated in the Monasticon to be ^£65. 19. In remoYing the 
surface of the ground for the purpose of constructing the 
Syston and Peterborough Eailway, in June and July, 1846, 
several stone coffins, containing skulls and other frag- 
ments of mortality, were exposed to view ; and pieces of 
stained glass, mullions of windows, capitals and portions 
of fluted piUars, coins, &c., were dug out. Much of the 
stone-work was very elaborately carved, and proved that 
the building must have been one of great beauty. The 
stained glass was principally of the colour of bottle glass, 
very thick, and some of it quite opaque : it is hardly pos- 
sible to believe that the thicker portions which were found 
could have been intended for the admission of Hght, and 
the inference therefore is that they must either have 
formed ornamental tablets, or have been used as tesselated 
pavement in a portion of the edifice. The skulls and bones 
exhumed were mostly those of females, some of them of per- 
sons who died in the prime of life, as the teeth were beauti- 
fully perfect. Among the other curiosities picked up, 
were a silver bodkin about six inches in length, with 
two eyelets in the broad part of it, and a brass locket : 
the latter, 'Mr. Carr, the superintending engineer, thinks 
originally contained a coin of the reign in which the 
foundation of the nunnery was laid, and was placed 
there as coins are at the present day deposited when build- 
ings of importance are commenced, especially as one stone 
was observed to have a cavity apparently made for such a 
purpose. One of the stone coffins exhumed contained a 
very perfect skeleton, and by the side of it were some 
pieces of carved stone with illegible inscriptions. Some 
of the men were obstructed in their operations by a wall of 
masonry work, which tnrned out to be a spacious arched 
vault, built of stone : a short distance from the vault was a 
considerable heap of bones of various sizes, and in another 
part a finger-bone was picked up with a ring upon it. One 
of the stone coffins (supposed to have been deposited in 
the 12th or 13th century), together with some antique 



^ 236 



carvings in oak, were presented to the Stamford Institution 
by Messrs. Wykes and Co., the railway contractors. 

A stone measuring 5 feet 9 inches by 2 feet 11 inches, 
and 8 inches thick, was also found: the following is a 
sketch of it. 



Il« 


1 


1 ** 




s 


«rf 


•IS 


« 


m 


^ 


1*^ 








' «u 


w 


W 




Me 


^ 

U^ 




W 






!■ 




94 

5 





+ 



+- 



The English of the inscription is, " Here lies Sir John 
Petrian, chaplain, on whose soul may God have mercy, 
Amen. Or, " Here lies Prior John Petrian." The latter 
is more likely to be correct, as the house had a prior to 
govern it, and which word answers to the latin dominus, as 
well as to 'sir' and 'lord.* 

Nunnery between SL George's Gates and St. Leonard's. — 
Speed's map shows a nunnery on the south side the road 
leading from the town to St. Leonard's priory, and between 
the Blackfriary and that place, but no further information 
can be gained on the subject. 

Organs first introduced into divine worship, 751. — See 
Churches. 

Parliaments held at Stamford. — A Parliament was held 
here in 1300-1-2, when Edward I. agreed to execute the 
Charter of the Forest. In July, 1309, Edward II. con- 
vened a Parliament here. During a Parliament held here 
in April, 1327, Edwai'd III. made a grant to Sir T. Bar- 
clay and Sir J. Maltravers, for supporting his father, Ed- 
ward IL, then a prisoner in Berkley Castle. A Parliament 



PAR 237 

was held here in June, 1337, chiefly for the purpose of dis- 
cussing matters relating to France. > 

Parliament (Acts of). — For making the Eiver Welland < 

navigable from Stamford to the sea, passed in the 13th i 

of Elizabeth. \ 

For Inclosing Saint Martins's- fields, 1795. I 

For more effectually Kepairing and Improving the Koad ^ 

from Wansford Bridge to Stamford, and from Stamford to \ 
Bourn, June 22, 1820. 

For Lighting the Town with Gas, June 17th, 1823. \ 

c 

For Improving the Outfall of the River Welland, June < 

4, 1824. \ 

For more effectually Repairing the Road from James ^ 

Deeping Stone Bridge to Peter's-gate, Stamford, and from ^ 

thence to the South-end of Morcott, May 22, 1829. i 

For more effectually Repairing and Improving the Road \ 

from Stamford to the Division Stone in South Witham, ^ 

May 29, 1830. \ 

For better supplying the town with Water, May 5th, 1837. I 

For Paving, Cleansing, and otherwise Improving the i 

Town, June 21st, 1841. \ 

For making a Railway from Syston (through Stamford) < 

to Peterborough, June 30th, 1845. I 

For authorising certain alterations in the line of the < 

Syston and Peterborough Branch of the Midland Railway, ^ 

and the formation of certain other Branch Railways (includ- s 

mg one from Stamford to Wansford) in connexion therewith. ] 

Passed June 18, 1846. < 

Parliament (Members of). — The following list does not { 

contain all the names of the Representatives of the Borough ^ 

previous to the 33rd of Hemy VIII., but it is the best that \ 

can be procured : — \ 



238 



EDWARD I. 

Nicholas de Burton 1295 

Clement de Melton 

Clement de Melton 1298 

Hob. de Pontefracto .... 

Johannes del Fal 1300 

"Will, de Doundale 

Johannes LessaU 1302 

E.ogerus de Ring- 

Gilbert de Cotismore .... 1305 
Clement de Melton 

* ^ * 

EDWARD II. 

Eustachius Malherbe .... 1321 
Hugo Thirsby 

'*■ ^ •* 

EDWARD III. 

Johannes de Melden .... 1359 
Hugo de Alveton 

* * * 

EDWARD IV. 

Bichardus Forster 1472 

Johan. Moredock 

* * * 

HENRY VIII. 

Henry Lacy 1542 

John Allen 

EDWARD VI. 

William Cecil 1547 

John Allen 

Anthony Cock 1553 

Bobert Lacy 

MARY. 

Thomas Heneage 1553 

John Allen 

Bowland Durant 1554 

John AUen 

John Fenton 1554 

Henry Ley 

Francis Yakesley 1555 

Francis Thorney 

John Houghton 1557 

Francis Thorney 

ELIZABETH. 

John Houghton 1559 

William Cook 



Thomas Cecil 1563 

Francis Thorney 

Thomas Cecil 1571 

Michael Lewes » . 

Thomas Cecil 1572 

Francis Harrington 

Bobert Wingfield 1585 

George Lynne 

Bobert Wingfield 1586 

William Cecil 

Bobert Wingfield 1588 

William Cecil 

Bobert Wingfield 1592 

Nicholas Shute 

Bobert Wingfield 1597 

Thomas Balguy 

Bobert Wingfield 1601 

Edward Watson 

JAMES I. 

Sir Bobert Wingfield 1603 

Henry HaU 

Bichard Cecil 1614 

John Jay 

Bichard Cecil 1620 

John Wingfield 

John St. Amand 1623 

Sir George Goring 

Cin whose place) 
Edward Ayscough 

CHARLES I. 

John St. Amand 1625 

Montague Bertie 

Brian Palmer 1625 

Montague Bertie 

Sir Thomas Hatton 1628 

Sir Edward Bach 

Sir Thomas Hatton 1640 

Thomas Hatcher 

Geoffrey Palmer 1640 

Thomas Hatcher 

(in ivhose place J 
John Weaver 

THE COMMONWEALTH. 

For this parliament mem- 
bers were returned for 
the county only 1653 



1 - 


PAR 


239 


c 

1 John Weaver 

; John Weaver 

; John Weaver 

\ Christopher Clapham 

< Fr.Wingfield 

1 CHARLES II. 

< William Stafford* 

; WiUiam Montague 

I Peregrine Bertie ........ 

> Charles Bertie 


1654 
1656 
1659 

1660 

1661 

1678 
1679 
1681 

1685 
1688 

1690 
1695 
1698 
1700 
' 1701 

. 1702 

. 1705 

. 1707 

. 1708 

. 1710 

from t 
It, sittii 
3rd. 


Charles Bertie (dead).. . . 
Charles Bertie 


1710 \ 

) 

) 

1713 1 

1714 
1722 

1727 
1734 
1741 I 
1747 \ 

1754 1 
\ 
1761 \ 
1768 \ 
1774 I 
1780 \ 
1784 \ 
1790 i 

1796 i 

1802 ! 

1806 \ 

I 

I 

leth of ] 

mem- < 

] 

> 


Charles Cecil 

Charles Bertie 

GEORGE I. 

Charles Cecil 

Charles Bertie 


Brownlow CecU [a peer), . 
WiUiam Noel 


Charles Bertie 


1 Sir Richard Cust, Bart.. . 
\ William Hyde 


GEORGE II. 

WUUamNoel 

Robert Shirley 

WilUam Noel 

John Proby 

WilUam Noel 

John Proby 

Robert Barbor 

John Proby 

Robert Barbor 

John Thursby 

GEORGE III. 

John ChapUn 

Bridges BrudeneU 

Sir George Howard, K.B. 
George Aufree 


1 Sir Eichard Cust, Bart. . . 
f William Hyde 


I Sir Richard Cust, Bart. . . 
\ WiUiamHyde 

j JAMES II. 

\ Peregrine Bertie 

( Charles Bertie 


< Charles Bertie 

\ William Hyde 


\ WILLIAM AND MAR^X 

< Charles Bertie 

I Philip Bertie 

\ Charles Bertie 

; Philip Bertie 

\ WiUiam Cecil 

S Charles Bertie 


Sir George Howard, K.B. 

Henry Cecil 

Sir George Howard, K.B. 

Henry Cecil 

Sir George Howard, K.B. 


S WiUiam CecU 

i Charles Bertie 


I WiUiam Cecil 

< Charles Bertie 


S ANNE. 

> WiUiam Cecil 

5 Charles Bertie 


Sir George Howard, K.B 
Lord Carysfort .......... 


Sir George Howard, K.B 
(dead) 


\ Charles Cecil 

J Charles Bertie 


i Charles Cecil 


Lord Carysfort 

John Leland 

Albemarle Bertie 

John Leland 

Albemarle Bertie 

he thirteenth to the thirt 
ig seventeen years, had foui 


< Charles Bertie 


\ Charles Cecil 

I Charles Bertie 


\ Charles Cecil 

\ * During the period 
\ Charles 11., the parUamer 
< bers returned from Stamf< 



240 



John Leland 1807 

Albemarle Bertie 

John Leland {dead) 1808 

Evan Foulkes 

Albemarle Bertie 

Albemarle Bertie {a peer) 1809 

Charles Chaplin 

Evan Foulkes 

Evan Foulkes 1812 

John Heniker 

Thomas Cecil 1818 

"WiUiam Henry Percy. . . . 

GEORGE IV. 

Thomas Cecil 1820 

William Henry Percy 

Thomas Cecil 1826 

Thomas Chaplin 



WILLIAM IV. 

Thomas Cecil 1830 

Thomas Chaplin 

Thomas Cecil 1831 

Charles Tennyson 

Thomas Chaplin 1832 

Georg-e Finch 

Thomas Chaplin 1835 

George Finch 

VICTORIA. 

Thomas Chaplin 1837 

{went abroad) 

Charles Cecil John Man- 
ners, Marquis of Granby 

Sir George Clerk 

Charles Cecil John Man- 
ners, Marquis of Granby 1841 

Sir George Clerk 

Peck {Francis), a learned antiquary, was born at Stam- 
ford, May 4:th, 1692. He took his several degrees in arts 
at Trinity College, Cambridge ; became Eector of Godeby- 
Marwood, Leicestershire : obtained a prebend in the Cathe- 
dral of Lincoln; and died in 1743. His principal publi- 
cations are, " The Antiquarian Annals of Stamford," " De- 
siderata Curiosa," ^^ Memoirs of Oliver Cromwell," and 
" Memoirs of John Milton:' 

Peterborough Hall, by Mr. Peck thought to be the same 
as Black Hall, is supposed to have stood opposite All 
Saints' Church, where there was a refectory, which was a 
large handsome room, and in the north end of it was a 
spacious window, containing, among mucli painted glass, 
some figures of cocks. Peck having seen similar figures 
in St. Martin's church, which was under the Abbot of 
Peterborough's patronage, was therefore induced to believe 
it was Peterborough Hall. It was pulled down about 1705, 
and the houses erected on its site are now occupied by Mr. 
H. Wright, baker, and Mr. Wilson, watch-maker, who, a few 
years ago, found a very ancient oak door with an arched 
top, between the ceiling of the old part of the house and 
the roof. 



241 \ 



Pewtercr's Hedge extends westerly from Roman Bank to 
three posts on tlie causeway of tlie north site of the Tin- 
well Road. The tradition is, that the site of this hedge 
was occupied by pewterers who had houses and shops there. 
" It is more likely," says Peck, " that the pewterers kept 
their stalls there at Midlent-fair ; for formerly a great part 
of that fair was held without the town." 

Plague. — The Plague was in Britain at intervals from 
665 to 685, and again in 1112. On the 10th of October, 
1602, the Plague commenced at Stamford, and continued a 
whole year, and during that time 236 householders died, 
and 43 fled. In St. Martin's and Wothorpe, during the 
same period, 166 died ; in all, it is computed 713 died of 
this pestilential disease. In 1641, the Plague again broke 
out, when 500 or 600 died. 

Population. — Number of the inhabitants : — 

In 1785 In 1801 In 1811 

InStamford 3137 4199 4582 

In St. Martin's .... 800 865 937 



3937 
The Census takeii May 28th, 1821. 

All Saints 1386 

St. George 1191 

St. John 1003 

St. Mary 356 

St. Michael 1111 

St. Martin 1190 

Total.... 6237 
Increase in the 10 years, 618. 



5064 5519 

The Census taken in 1831. 

All Saints 1769 

St. George 1410 

St. John 1109 

St. Mary 365 

St. Michael 1184 

St. Martin 1225 



Total.... 7062 



In 1841. 



Males. 



Females. 



Total. 



All Saints 


... 892 .... 


.... 1086 .... 


.... 1978 


St. George 


... 812 .... 


.... 788 .... 


.... 1600 


St. John 


... 574 


.... 637 .... 
.... 208 .... 


.... 1211 


St. Mary 


... 129 .... 


.... 337 


St. Michael . . . 


... 621 .... 


.... 638 .... 


.... 1259 


St. Martin* ... 


... 632 .... 


.... 743 .... 


.... 1375 


"Wothorpe 


... 39 .... 


.... 29 .... 


.... 68 



3699 



4129 



7828 



In Borough Boundary 3450 3934 7384 

* This includes 94 in the Union "Workhouse. 



242 



Post-office. — This office, which is situated in the centre 
of High-street, is kept by Mr. Eichard C. Eeynolds, who 
succeeded Mrs. Haycock in 1837. In 1784, the Corpora- 
tion took off the extra halfpenny charged for delivering 
post letters in the town. In 1785, there was no post from 
the south on Mondays, nor from the north on Saturdays. 
We have now a post to emd from London, and aU distant 
large towns, twice a-day. Some little idea may he formed 
of the business of this office and the importance of the 
town and neighbourhood, by the following statistical ac- 
count. In the week ending November 24, 1839, 1288 let- 
ters were distributed within the Stamford delivery, at the 
old rate of postage by distance. In the week ending De- 
cember 22, 1839, the number of letters was 2099 at 4d. 
each, and in the week ending January 21, 1846, the num- 
ber was 5780 at Id. The number of money orders granted 
at this office in the year ending January 5, 1845, was 4561, 
and amounted to £10,125. 10. : the poundage to govern- 
ment was £80. 8. 9. In the year ending January 5, 1846, 
the number of money orders was 4736, amounting to 
£10,766. 3. 3., and the poundage to the revenue £83. 19. 6« 

The following is a list of places within the Stamford 
delivery : those in italics have receiving houses : — 



Apethorpe 


Coltersworth 


Ketton 


AsMon 


Clipsham 


King's Cliffe 


Barrowden 


Collyweston 


Luffenham, North 


Burghley 


Case^vick 


Luffejiham, South 


Buckminster 


Casterton 


Normanton 


Burton Goggles 


Carlby 


Pickwortk 


Barnack 


Careby 


Pilsgate 


Bainton 


Duddington 


Pilton 


BlatherA\7cke 


Easton 


Eyhall 


Bulwick 


Edithweston 


Strettou 


Braceborough 


Empi7igham 


Stoke 


Bytham, Great 


Essendine 


Skillington 


Bytham, Little 


Gunby 


Swayfield 


Barholm 


Holywell 


Stainby 


Belminsthorpe 


Horn 


Southorpe 


Corby 


Irnham 


Stibbington 



243 





Sibson 


Ufford 


Wakerley 




Thistleton 


Uffington 


Wittering 




TinAvell 


Woolsthorpe 


Walcot 




Tixover 


Witham, North 


Water Newton 




Tickencote 


Witham, South 


Wansford 




Tolethorpe 


Whitwell 


YarweU 




Thornhaugh 


"Wothorpe 






Privy Council held here by Edward II., in 1326. 



Public-houses. — There are 65 Licensed VictaaUers, and 
7 Spirit Merchants, besides 5 Beer-sellers. 

Maces. — It is not exactly known when this sport began to 
be held here, but it may doubtless be ranked among the 
earliest in England. 

There were races formerly on Wittering heath, on the 
Thursday before Midlent Sunday, for a plate of ^10. value, 
provided by the town. From an ancient copy of articles 
agreed to at these races, we copy the fifth for its sin- 
gularity : 

*' Y. Item, That if anye of the matched horses or theire riders 
chaunce to fall in anye of the foure heats, the rest of the riders shall 
staye in theire places where they were at the tyme of the fall vntill 
the rider so fallen haue his foote in the stirroppe againe." 

We have no record of the particular prizes awarded at 
the Stamford Eaces until the 1st of March, 1715, when 
the following advertisement appeared in the Stamford 
Mercury : — 

" Stamford Plate, about £12. value, will be run for on Wittering 
round Course on Thursday in Easter week next, 3 Heats, 10 Stone 
Weight, the Winning Horse to be sold for £20. Every Horse, &c. 
that runs, must be entered and shewn before the Mayor of Stam- 
ford, or his deputy, on Tuesday the 27th of this instant March, at 
the Nagg's-Head in Stamford, between 2 and 4 in the afternoon, and 
to pay Two Guineas Entrance." 

The present Eace-course is situated in a part of the 
Marquis of Exeter's park about a mile and a quarter from 
Stamford, on the west side of the London-road. The 
length of the course is about a mile and one-third ; there 
is also a strait mile course generally used for two-year olds. 

The 'Grand Stand' was erected in 1766 : it is built of 



244 



stone, and measures forty feet by eighteen on the outside i 

walls; has three floors, and is railed round on the top, \ 

whence there is a commanding view over the whole of I 

the race gi-ound. There is also a smaller building of wood \ 

near the winning post : it is called the * Eed Stand,' from / 

its being painted that colour. \ 

The time for holding these races is fixed by the New- < 

market Club and the Marquis of Exeter. i 

Three days were usually devoted to this sport from 1804 I 

to 1839, since which time two days only have been occu- \ 
pied : there are generally four or five races each day. 

The following chai'ges are made for vehicles, &c. going 
on the course : — 

Foiu'-wheeled Carriages, with 2 Horses .... 2s. 6d. 

Four-wheeled Carriages, with 1 Horse Is. 6d. 

Two-Avheeled Carriages, with 1 horse Is. Od. 

Single Horse Os. 6d. 

The following is a list of the winners of the chief race 

in each yeai- : — 

PLATE. 

Capt. Denshhe's Madcap , 1771 

Mr. Freeman's Shepherdess 1772 

Mr. Skm-ray's Adonis 1773 

Mr. Trueman's Minerva 1775 

Mr. Digby's Screivdrlver 1776 

Ld. Fitzwilliam's Diomed 1791 

Mr. Ladbroke's PUl-hox 1792 

Mr. Wilson's Moor-cock 1795 

Islx. KMfs Exton 1796 

Mr. Dolphin's Pettvorth 1797 

Ld. Sondes' St. George 1798 

Mr. Watson's filly by Sir Peter * 1802 

Mr. Turner's fiUy by Sir Peter * 1804 

Mr. Andrews' P'athom * 1805 

GOLD CUP. 

Mr. J. Heathcote's Warter 1799 

Sir G. Heathcote's c. by Delphini 1800 

Mr. SitweU's Hyale 1801 

Mr. Watson's Lignum Vitce 1803 

* Js o Cup run for. 



245 



Mr. C. Browne's Mountaineer 1806 

Ld. Grosvenor's Meteora 1807 

Ld. Grosvenor's Meteora 1808 

Sir S. SitweU's C/2/2A:er 1809 

Ld. Grosvenor's Meteora 1810 

Mr. Watson's Dimity 1811 

Mr. Prince's AU-fours 1812 

Mr. Tibbits' Pericles 1813 

Ld. Grosvenor's PJiosplior 1814 

Mr. WHson^s Charlotte 1815 

Sir H. Xelthorpe's Everlasting 1816 

Mr. Watson's Seagrave 1817 

Ld. Exeter's Captain Candid 1818 

Ld. Grosvenor's Finesse 1819 

Ld. Exeter's Snake 1820 

Ld. Clarendon's Antiope 1821 

Ld. Clarendon's Antiope 1822 

Ld. Exeter's ^oZ&em 1823 

Ld. Exeter's Zealot 1824 

Gen. Grosvenor's Wings 1825 

Mr. Platel's Conviction 1826 

Ld. Exeter's Hobgoblin 1827 

Mi. Sovrerhys Skiff 1828 

Mr. Sowerby's Coroner 1829 

Mr. Sowerby's Coroner 1830 

Mr. Flintham's Anti-CatJiolic 1831 

Gen. Grosvenor's Sai^pedon 1832 

Ld. Chesterfield's Dirce. . . 1833 

Ld. Chesterfield's Bon Ton 1834 

^ Ld. Exeter's Datura 1835 

Ld. Exeter's Luck's All 1836 

Mr. Bird's Redshank 1837 

Ld. Exeter's Troilus 1838 

Gen. Grosvenor's Dcedalus 1839 

Gen. Grosvenor's Dcedalus 1840 

Duke of Hutland's The Genius 1841 

Lord Exeter's Saros 1842 

Duke of Eutland's Hyrcanian 1843 

Lord Exeter's Wee Pet 1844 

Ld. Sandwich's Plantagenet 1845 

Sir G. Heathcote's Akbar 1846 

Raclcliffe's School, — See St. Paul's Church and Charities. 

Railways. — The railways affecting Stamford are — 

The Syston and Peterborough, which unites the Eastern 



216 



Counties lines at the latter place, and the Midland Counties 
at Syston, and by which we have communication with all 
towns south-east and north-west of Stamford. 

The Stamford and Wisbech will unite the town with the 
Norfolk coast on the east, and the Stamford and Kugby will 
unite Birmingham, Manchester, and Liverpool on the west. 

The Stamford and Sibson Branch will unite the Syston 
and Peterborough with the Blisworth and Peterborough, at 
Sibson, gi\^ng increased facilities of reaching the London 
and Birmingham line. 

The Stamford and Spalding Branch of the Great Northern 
will join with the Spalding and Boston, and unite with the 
East Lincolnshire Railway, which will extend through Al- 
ford and Louth to Great Grimsby. 

The Great Northern, from London to York, will leave 
Stamford about three miles eastwai'd, and will have a branch 
to Stamford. 

Richard 11.^ in 1377, held a council of war at Stamford, 
to consult about an expedition into France ; the inhabitants 
of Stamford and Leicester were ordered to provide and fit 
out a barge. This adventure however was not carried on. 
He also held a council of the Lords, at which it was agreed 
to continue the truce with France for another year. This 
council also agi'eed to punish the Londoners for refusing to 
lend the King £1000., and for almost killing an Italian 
who had offered the loan to his Majesty. A warrant was 
sent to the Justices of Westminster, to arrest the Mayor 
and Sheriffs, with some of the wealthy citizens. John 
Hinde, the Mayor, was imprisoned in Windsor Castle, and 
the Sheriffs and citizens at other prisons. The King also 
revoked their privileges, and placed one of his knights 
over them as governor. Another council was held here 
about this time to suppress the Wickliflfites. During the 
King's stay he lodged at the Whitefriary, and these coun- 
cils were held there. 

River Welland. — This beautiful little river rises from 
under the parsonage house at the village of Sibbertoft, 



247 



; about four miles beyond Market Harborougli, and winds its 

; way through Stamford and Spalding to the sea. The 

; tei-m Welland was derived from the Saxon word Vealland, 

\ which signifies boiling, bubbling, raging. 

; The Welland was made navigable from Stamford to the 

; sea by Act 13th Elizabeth, Ajjril 2nd, 1570. 

; King James I. granted Letters Patent to the Aldermen 

' and Burgesses, to take a toll of 3d. per ton at every lock 

; between Stamford Bridge and Spalding ; also the right of 

; fishing for ever. James I., 20th year of reign, June 17th, 

I 1622: lease gi-anted to Daniel Wigmore for 80 years at a 

I rent of Is. This lease descended to Charles Halford, Esq., 

\ who married Mr. Wigmore' s daughter, and who, on the 

\ 20th September, 1664, took a fresh lease to be renewed 

! every 80 years, on paying a fine of £100. 

i The lease was in possession of Mr. Feast, and produced 

> about ^6250. net in 1726. It afterwards came into the 
) possession of Edward Buckley Esq. (See Corporation, 
\ pages 139 and 152). Mr. Thomas Smith, merchant, ob- 
\ tained a lease under Mr. Buckley, and Mr. W. Harper is the 
\ present sub-lessee. Since 1809, several plans have been 
\ proposed for improving the navigation, and carrying it on 

> to Market Harborough, but were not carried into eff'ect. And 

> as railways are now about to be made in both these directions, 
\ the navigation will fall into desuetude. 

> Rock Terrace, Scotgate, built by Pdchard Newcomb, 
\ Esq., 1841. 

\ Rock Villa, Scotgate, built by Richard Newcomb, Esq., 

> 1842.— See St. Thomas's Church. 

\ Roman Bank — See Ermine- street. 

\ Roman Encampment. — It has been asserted by some 

) celebrated antiquarians, that the Romans had an encamp- 

> ment here, but there is not a vestige left to prove this 
\ opinion, and it is hardly probable that they would have two 
\ stations within two miles, and it is certain that there was 
I one at Casterton Magna ; the remains of which are still 
\ visible. 



248 



Roman Glazed Tiles, of various colours, dug up at the \ 

Austin Friary, in 1712. \ 

Roman Urn, dug up in Water-street, in 1723. \ 

Rutland Terrace, built 1830. — See Bowling Green, > 

Saint Andrew's Church. — This church, it is supposed, > 

stood on the site now occupied by Browne's Hospital. The ' 

^dcarage is valued in Pope Nicholas' taxation at £2. 13. 4, ^ 

and was, in 1553, united with St. Michael's. ^ 

Saint Clements Church stood on the site of a house oc- I 

cupied by Mr. William Eichardson, in Scotgate, and on the \, 

north side of Barn-hill-lane. In the reign of King John, \ 

Lord Langvale gave this church to the Nuns of St. Michael, \ 

who presented a vicar until the Eeformation. The vicarage \ 

was, in 1553, united with St. John's. From the terrier of > 

messuages and lands in 1768, it appears that the "vicarage > 

had three houses, and tithes, besides three yards or gar- \ 

dens, and 3s. 4d. yeaily for St. Clement's Church-yard, ^ 

lately in the occupation of Edw. Browne, Esq., and now of ^ 

the Marquis of Exeter. s 

There is a part of the font in Mr. J. G. Desborough's ^ 

garden in Bam-hill-lane. — See Saint John's church, I 

Saint George's Church is situated in St. George's-square. I 

It is a plain building with a rectangular embattled tower, ) 

which contains four small bells. Eickman, in his notice I 

of this church, says, — " Amidst much mutilation and al- \ 

terations it possesses some old portions, principally per- I 

pendicular, and some ancient stained glass." The church ^ 

measures 47 feet by 40, and is 32 feet high ; and the chancel \ 

measures 33 feet by 18, and is 20 feet high. The porch, ^ 

which has been erected since 1727, is of wood, and slated, > 

and has more the appearance of a cow-hovel than a porch ^ 

of the house of God. This unsightly thing, however, is > 

shortly to be taken down, and replaced by a neat stone > 

building, to agi-ee more with the architectural antiquity of \ 

the church. > 

The church was erected in 1450, on the site of a Saxon { 

church, at the sole expense of William Bruges, first Garter > 



249 



> King-at-Arms, who gave to it a quantity of jewels, plate, 

> and other articles for the service of the altar. And at his 
I death bequeathed plate, bells, images, &c., of gold, silver, 
I wood, and stone, vestments for the priests and altars, &c., 
( of an immense value. William Bruges made this will 
( February 26, 1449-50, and was afterwards buried in the 
I choir of this church. Nothing of the plate, &c. now re- 

> mains, but the parish still reaps the benefit of the seven 
] houses given by the benevolent knight. 

I The following is an extract from a copy of the " Terrar 

j of St. George's parish lands and tenements, and delivered 

I in at the Bishop's visitation at Grantham, 1st Aug., 1748 :" — 

5 The rectory or parsonage house. 

> A small stable thatched, and bam on the south side of the house. 
I A small close (late a garden) in St. George's-street, and a bam 
; thatched ; the Earle of Exeter west, the Paridise north, an house 
^ in the tenure of OUver Bass east, the common street south ; the 
] close not three rods, and the bam 43 feet long-. [This was after- 
\ wards used as the tithe-yard, and in 1840 it was sold to Kichard 
^ Newcomb, Esq.] 

> A small close or yard in the parish of St. Paul on the west of the 
^ Free School. 

V Ten acres of glebe land, whereof six acres and a rod lying in 

S Stamford east field, three acres lying together on the hills beyond 

) Debdale next the highway to Eyhall field on the west. 

J Three rods abutting upon the Lings north, the highway to Brige 

N Casterton south. 

> Two acres lying together in the middle field of Stamford, Mrs. 
^ Palmer's land south, the Earle of Exeter north. 

I One acre in the low field in Saint Martin's towards Pilsgate 

] hedge, in the tenure of Francis Baxter. 

\ One acre butting upon the aforesaid Debdale on the south, Ey- 

\ haU field north. 

? Two acres lying together on this side Debdale, the town lands on 

I the south. 

I All manner of tythe due to the rector in kind as weU of fruit as 

s grain, except from the Black, "White, and Gray Fryers, two where- 

^ of belong to the Earle of Exeter and the other to Lord Brownlow, 

^ as also the greatest part of the land belonging to St. Leonard's 

) farme, belonging to the Earle of Exeter, and now in the occupa- 

} tion of Alderman B-idhngton. 

i All com, grain, hay, to be gathered by taking the tenth couch, 

5 shock, or sheafe, after it is reaped and shocked by the farmer. 



250 



I A pig in six at fourteen days old, the third choice belong-s to the 

I rector. 

\ Half-a-crown a lamb composition : if there be seven a whole 

> lamb, allowing the owner three halfpence ; if there be six, four, or 
) three, half a lamb ; if there be three, the minister allows out of the 
{ half lamb one penny ; if there be six, the owner to allow the minis- 
S ter a halfpenny over and above the half lamb. 

> A penny a head for every old sheep, and fourpence a new barr'd 
^ cow, three halfpence a stropper. 

^ For Easter offerings sevenpence halfpenny a house, and twopence 

], a garden. 

I Surplice fees, (viz.,) churching eightpence; marriage two shil- 

l lings and sixpence with banns, with a license five shillings ; for I 

^ burials in the church yard one shilling and four pence ; for burying S 

'> in the chixrch two shillings and eightpence, in the chancel fourteen ^ 

< shillings ; mortuarys ten shillings if the personal estate be worth < 

< thirty pounds, and, if under, proportionable, as in other places. c 

< The communion plate, (viz.,) two large silver flaggons with this \ 
\ inscription, (viz..) ' Given by will of Dame Alicia Cust to St. George's < 

< church in Stamford, 1715 ;' the one weighing 45 ounces 16 penny- > 
^ weights, the other 47 ounces 11 pennyweights ; also a silver cup, } 

< with the same inscription, weighing 8 ounces 8 pennyweights. < 
^ One silver salver, given by Mrs. Elizabeth Gardiner, vdth this 5 

< inscription : ' 1707. Given to St. George's, in Stamford, for the ser- i 

< vice of the communion by E. G. :' weighing 8 ounces 15 penny- ( 

> weights. < 
^ Lands and tenements for the repairs of the church : one tene- < 
S ment in St. Paul's-street, Star-lane, on the west, in the possession ^ 

< of Thomas Johnson, let upon lease for 21 years, paying three pounds I 
( and ten shillings per annum. ^ 

< Another tenement in St. George's-street, in the possession of < 
^ Thos. \Yright, let upon lease for twenty-one years, three pounds ^ 
;$ per annum ; and another in possession of John Canting, the yearly $ 

< rent one pound ten shillings ; both of them together fronting the > 

< highway, leading from St. George's church on the west. i 

< Another tenement in St. George's-street, in the possession of \ 

> Antipas Whyles, with a garden, paying two pounds ten shillings S 

< per annum ; the highway on the south. S 

< Another tenement in the said street of Benjamin Tipping, on \ 
^ lease for 21 years, paying two pounds five shillings per annum. < 
( A garden and barn in the tenure of Thomas Pilkington, and <■ 
\ another tenement William Alphin, having the Bull's-lane on the ^ 
] west. < 

> Another tenement in the possession of EUz. Webdale, 35 shil- S 
i lings per annum, the Tenter Meadow south. \ 



\ SAi 251 



N.B. The rent of these lands are appropriated for ever towards 
the repair of the church, and also the churchyard fences. 

The Parish-clerk and Sexton are chosen by the Minister ; the 
Clerk's wages are paid by house-row, according- to custom ; and 
the Sexton is allowed twenty-one shillings per annum out of the 
above rents, arising from the lands and tenements above-mentioned. 

M. Tyson, Bector of St. George. 

Joseph Caldecott,) churchwardens. 
John Tallis, ) 

There were two chapels, one in the north and the other 
in the south aisles of this church ; they occupied only the 
space of the present vestry, and were separated from the 
choir by carved oak screens, which were taken down in 
1719, when the church was repaired. In 1759 a gallery 
was erected, chiefly from the accumulated fund of the Con- 
duit Charity, by a resolution in vestry. 

In 1844 the church was re-pewed, partly by subscription 
and partly by the fund accumulated by the church estates ; 
it was re-opened October the 6th; and in the following 
year a new reredos or altar screen was erected: the interior 
of the church is now elegant yet neat. 

The windows of this church were formerly composed of 
stained glass, the principal figures of which were taken away 
by Hollar, and afterwards etched in brass. The portraits 
were Saint George, the patron of the garter, with the founder 
Edward III., and the twenty-five first knights with their 
bearings and surcoats. The east window of the chancel 
exhibited Edward III., the Black Prince, and Henry, Duke 
of Lancaster, kneeling before the image of Saint George : 
and in the windows on each side of the choir were the figures 
of Sir Thomas Beauchamp, Earl of Warwick; Sir Peter de 
Bouche, the captain; Sir Kalph Stafi'ord, Eeirl of Stafford; 
Sir W. Montacute, Earl of Salisbury; Sir Roger Mortimer, 
Earl of March ; Sir John Lisle, Lord Lisle ; Sir John Beau- 
champ ; Sir Bartholomew Burgwash ; Sir John Mohun, 
Lord Mohun; Sir Hugh Courtney; Sir Thomas Holland, 
Earl of Kent; Sir John Grey, Lord Grey of Codnor; Sir 
Richard Eitz-Simon; Sir Miles Stapleton; Sir Thomas 



252 



< Walle ; Sir Hugh Wrottesly ; Sir Neale Loreng ; Sir John 

< Chandois, knight banneret; Sir James Audley; Sir Otho 
I Holland; Sir Henry Esme; Sir Sanchio Dampredecourt ; 
5 and Sir Walter Paveley. 

^ The arms of Sir William Bruges were in the chancel, 

< viz. ermine, a cross pierced ermines impaling sable, a chevron 
I between three wolves' heads couped argent, collared or. 

\ At the lower end of a window in the north aisle were the 

i figures of a man and woman kneeling ; with a label over the 

] former, inscribed * Christe, Marie fill, sis nobis clemens et 

\ propitiiis :' and one over the latter, inscribed ^Sancta Dei 

\ genitrix, sis nobis auxiliatrix :' and at the bottom, ' Orate 

I pro animabus Allele .... Fox plscatoris, and Johanne con- 

\ sortls sue, qui istamfenestram,Jierifecerunt.' 
I In the east window of the south aisle were the arms of 

\ Sapcote, viz. sable, three dovecotes argent: the same re- 

< peated, with ai-gent, three turnpikes sable ; under which was 
I this inscription, ' Orate pro ai-abus JRlchardi Sapcote and 
\ Johanne uxoris ejus' In the middle window of the same 
i aisle, a chevron between three roses, Roscel ; and a man in 
i a religious habit praying under him, ^Frater Johannes 
\ RosceV 

\ These splendid antiquities however were destroyed during 

'^ the civil commotions of the country. 

I The only stained glass that now remains is in the chancel, 

\ and that chiefly in the east window. Our Saviour blessing 

\ the Elements, copied in 1705 from the celebrated piece by 

\ Carlo Dolci, at Burghley. Under it is inscribed, ^Johannes 

\ Langion fecit et donavit f and * Take, eate; this is my body 

s which is broken for you.' ' This cup is the new testament 

{ in my bloud.' I Cor. xi. 24, 25. On the left is St. Catha- \ 

^ rine crowned, with her wheel in her left hand; but the \ 

J inscription, ' Sancta Katherina ora pro nobis, as mentioned < 

I by Peck, is destroyed : above her is the head of a mitred ^ 

\ bishop. On the right is another female figure, supposed to ^ 

< be St. Margaret ; she appears hooded, and is pointing to a \ 

< book held by a child ; and beneath them is a second infant > 



253 



with its fore finger upon its lips, expressive of attention : 
above this group two other heads may also be observed. 
These two side pieces, however, are somewhat imperfect. 

In other windows in the chancel are numerous garters of 
the order bearing the inscription, 

* 3§onp soBt qt) mal v pcnsc' 

David Cecil, the first Lord Treasurer Burghley's grand- 
father, founded a chantry in this church in 1507, where his 
remains are interred. 

An inscription on a plate of bell-metal, in relievo, on the 
floor in the north aisle, is in memory of Tobie Norris, a bell- 
founder, who was particularly famed in his calling, and who 
cast many of the old bells in Stamford : it runs thus : — 

HEEE LIETH THE BO 
DY OF TOBIE XOBEIS 
BEL FOYN. WHO DEC. 
ED. THE 7 OF IS'O. 1676 

On the north side of the chancel are three monuments 
erected to the ancient family of Cust, whose mansion 
house was on a part of the site of the Black Friary, in 
Stamford, and was pulled down about 1780. 

Sir Pury had two wives, the first of whom was Ursula, 
to whose memory is dedicated the earliest monument of 
the family in this church : it is crowned with a shield of 
arms, viz. ermine, on a chevron sable three plates, on each 
as many fountains azure : impaling or, on a bend gules 
three daggers of the field : crest, on a wreath argent and 
sable a lion's head erased of the latter, languid and eared 
gules, collared gorbony of the first and azure : it has the 
following inscription : — 

Near this place heth the body of 

Yrsulah, only daughter and heiresse of Edward Woodcocke, 

late of Newtimber, in the county of Sussex, Esq., 

the wife of Pury Cust, Esq. ; 

to whom she bare five children, Mary, Eichard, Pury, Elizabeth, 

and Ursulah. 

Two whereof, viz. Pury and Elizabeth, God hath taken to himself, 

and they he buried vrith their mother in a vault beneath : 



254 



the other three the Almighty 

hath been pleased to leave for a comfort to their disconsolate father, 

who, in memory of his said most dear and virtuous vrife, 

caused this monument to be erected. 

She died in childbed the 24th of Jan., in the year of our Lord, 1603-4, 

in the 24th year of her age. 

On six small tablets, suspended around this monument, 
are the following inscriptions : — 

Samuel Cust, Esq., grandfather of Pury Cust, Esq., died the 5th 
of March, 1662. The remains of whose body lies buried near this 
place. 

Mary "Woodcocke, widow, mother of Vrsulah, wife of Pury Cust 
Esq., died February 7th, 1682-3, whose body lieth buried in the 
vault beneath with her daughter. 

Kichard, son of Samuel, created a baronet in 1677, and in the 
following year representative of this borough in parliament, was 
buried near this place, September 6th, 1700. 

Sir Eichard, son of Sir Pury and ITrsulah, and grandson and 
heir of Sir Richard, died January 25th, 1734, and was succeeded by 
his eldest son, Sir John, afterwards speaker of the House of 
Commons. 

Pury, son and heir-apparent of Sir Kichard, (by dame Beatrice, 
daughter and heiress of William Pury, Esq.,) was created a knight 
soon after the revolution, and died in his father's life time, Febru- 
ary 22nd, 1698-9. 

Mary, daughter of Sir Pury and Ursulah, and vridow of Robert 
Thompson, Esq., died November, 1718. Ursulah, daughter of Sir 
Pury and Ursulah, and widow of Richard Newton, Esq., died 
September 11th, 1757. 

Sir Fury's second wife, Alice, bore to him Savile Cock- 
ayne Cust, Esq., who was the unsuccessful candidate for 
this borough in the year 1734. His monument is decorated 
with a large jasper urn, and has a shield of arms quai'terly, 
Yiz. Cust as above : argent, three cocks gules ; Woodcocke, 
as above ; argent, on a chevi'on wavy sable a plate with 
three fountains azure : it bears the following inscription: — 

In a vault near this place are deposited among his ancestors 

the remains of Savile Cockayne Cust, Esq., 

son of Sir Pury Cust, by dame Alice, his second wife, 

one of the daughters and coheirs of Wilham Savile, Esq., of Newton, 

in this county. 



He was half brother to the late Sir Eichard Cust, bart., 

and took the additional name of Cockayne 

in pursuance of the -will of Captain Samuel Cockayne, son of John 

Cockayne, Esq., 

by Elizabeth, the eldest daughter of his grandfather. 

Sir Richard Cust, baronet. 

By the integrity of his conduct and sincerity of his friendship, 

he evidenced in every relation of life, 

the virtues which he inherited from his ancestors, 

and was inflexible in his attachment to the true interests of his 

country, and particularly in his endeavours 

to promote the welfare and prosperity of this town. 

He was standard bearer 

and clerk of the cheque to the yeomen of the guards to his Majesty, 

and died Jan. 27, 1772, in the 74th year of his age. 

On the left of the above is an elegant white marble 

\ cenotaph, erected in 1797, to the memory of Sir Eichard, 

i the eldest son of Sir Pury Cust, Anne, his wife, and their 

( five sons and four daughters. The bust of Sir Eichard is 

\ supported by a plain column, the latter bearing a shield 

\ with a table of arms delicately carved, but partly hid by 

\ drapery. His lady is pourtrayed in full size, with her 

< right arm reclining over the top of the column, and holding 

< in her hand a scroll representing the will of her husband. 
? She appears in the Eoman costume, having sandals and a 
> profusion of rich flowing drapery. On each side of the 
I basement are emblematic representations; on the left a 
\ lion's head and skin, suspended by a massy club ; and on 
I the right a snake entwined about a mirror. The inscrip- 
\ tion is as follows : — 

Sacred to the memory of 

Sir Richard Cust, baronet, and dame Anne, his wife. 

He was the eldest son of Sir Pury Cust, 

of the Black Friars, in this town. 

She was the daughter of Sir William Brownlow, bart., of Belton, 

in this county. { 

They were married in the year 1717, and had a numerous issue. I 

Sir Richard Cust, residing enth'ely in the country, ] 

discharg'd the offices of high sheriff and justice of the peace for this I 

county with perfect integrity and knowledge. > 



256 



In private life, he and his excellent wife were disting-uished for the 

truest conjugal affection and harmony ; 

and for the utmost solicitude for the welfare of their many children. 

Sir Kichard gave the last and strongest proof 

of his parental care and impartial affection by his will, 

the execution of which he intrusted in every respect to his widow. 

She, to mitigate to her children that loss, 

which was the severest of afflictions to herself, exerted, 

with the most lively hope of God's assistance, 

the fortitude of her mind ; 

and in her steady and unceasing care to qualify them for the duties 

of life, she was bless'd in witnessing their prosperity, 

and experiencing their gratitude. 

Sir K-ichard departed this life on the 25th of July, 1734, aged 53. 

Dame Anne continued his widow, 

and died on the 29th of December, 1779, aged 85. 

Their eldest son. Sir John Cust, became speaker of the House of 
Commons ; and to his memory a monument is erected in the church 
of Belton, in this county. 

Their second son, William Cust, was a captain in the navy, lost 
his life in the service of his country ; and to his memory there is a 
monument in the church at Grantham. 

Their third son, Francis Cust, pursued the profession of the law ; 
was one of his Majesty's counsel, and counsel to the Board of Ad- 
miralty. He succeeded his uncle, Mr. Savile Cockayne Cust, in the 
name and estate of the family of Cockayne, in Bedfordshire ; served 
in parliament twenty years ; died unmarried, aged 70 ; and was 
buried here in the month of December, 1761. To the acquirements 
of learning he added the greatest benevolence of disposition, and 
attachment to his family and his friends. 

Their fourth son. Peregrine Cust, was a merchant of the city of 
London ; and having served in parliament twenty-four years, died 
unmarried, aged 61, and was buried here in the month of January, 
1785. He was esteemed for honour and integrity, and greatly be- 
loved for his active and constant endeavours to do good. 

Their fifth son, Richard Cust, in the service of the church be- 
came Dean of Lincoln, and rector of Fulbeck and of Belton, in this 
county, in which there is a monument to his memory. 

Their eldest daughter, Elizabeth Cust, died unmarried, and was 
buried here in the month of November, 1769. 

Their second daughter, Jane, was married first to Francis Fane, 
of Fulbeck, in this county ; and secondly to James Evelyn, of Fel- 
bridge, in the county of Surry ; and having survived her only child, 
Anne Evelyn, died November, 1791. 



257 



Their third daughter, Dorothy, died unmarried, and was buried 
here in the month of September, 1770. 

Their fourth daughter, Lucy, was the youngest, and is the sur- 
vivor of all this family : her melancholy reflections upon the re- 
peated losses of such dear relations, receive their best alleviation ] 
from her hope in Christ, that they shaU meet again where brotherly I 
love shall be the portion of the blessed for evermore. > 

Sir Jolin Cust married Etheldreda, daughter of Thomas ? 

Payne, Esq., of Houghton on the Hill, in Lincolnshire, by > 

whom he had issue Brownlow, Anne, and Elizabeth : he > 

died in 1770. > 

There is also a very neat tablet thus inscribed : — > 

Sacred to the memory of j 

The Reverend Eobert LasceUes Carr, S 

curate of the parishes of St. Mary and St. George, Stamford, > 

and chaplain to the Eight Hon. Lord Mendip. I 

This monument was erected by the members of the Stamford Lodge l 

of Odd FeUows, \ 

as a testimony of the respect they bore to him, who for I 

many years officiated as their chaplain. > 

In that capacity he instructed them to endear and ennoble the ] 

pleasures of social fellowship, I 

by combining them with the punctual discharge of the sacred ? 

duties of Christianity. ? 

May its precepts, which he so ably enforced, ^ 

continue their salutary influence, though his voice is no more heard ; 

among us, > 

and his mortal remains are mingled with the dust. '? 

His immortal spirit is, we humbly hope, received into the arms of '? 

that Redeemer in whom he ever firmly trusted. ; 

Obiit Nov. 12, 1811 ; setat 35. > 

i 

In 1766, Mrs. Catherine Fish gave ^200. for the aug- > 

mentation of the united rectory of St. George and St. I 

Paul: ^200. more was obtained from Queen Anne's bounty ; n 

these sums, with a donation from the Eaii of Exeter, were I 

expended in the purchase of an estate at Billingborough. ^ 

In 1842, the tithes were commuted for at 7s. lOfd. per acre, i 

The value in the King's Book was £5. 3. llf ., and discharged s 

from payment of first fruits. The returned value is now ^ 

dBl24. The Marquis of Exeter is Patron, by whom the > 

Eev. Charles Atlay was presented in 1823. The present ? 



I 258 



I incumbent, the Kev. W. H. Charlton, late tutor to Lord 

< Burghley, was presented in 1840, on the removal of the 
I former gentleman to a more profitable cure at Barrowden. 
I The church accommodation, in 1843, was for 400, but since 
I then alterations have been made, and it will now accommo- 

< date about 450 persons. 

< Saint George's Fields. — These fields were stated in Mr. 
( Dunn's Plan, in 1836, to be as follows, viz : — 

OCCUPIED LANDS. a. r. p. a. r. P. 

i NewClose 71 3 10 

Low 127 2 22 

? East Ketton Dale- 15 1 6 

I Open Grass , 14 2 18 

\ Open Meadow 51 1 36 

\ Enclosed Meadow 34 1 6 

\ 319 18 

\ COMMON. 

? Several pieces 3 1 2 

I Total Land in the Parish a322 1 20 

\ Saint George's Parish Statistics. — Quantity of land is 

< 322a. 1r. 20p. Length of roads under the repair of the 
I parish is about a mile and a quarter. Population of this 
I parish was, in 1785, 830; 1811, 967; 1821, 1191 ; 1831, 
I 1410; 1841, males 812, females 788, total 1600; under 
I 20 years, males 424, females 346 ; 20 years and upwards, 
i males 388, females 442 ; 1068 were born in Lincolnshire, 
I — the rest elsewhere. Houses inhabited 287, uninhabited 
I 10. In the 6 years, 1837 to 1842 inclusive, there were 
^ 342 births, 204 deaths, and 65 marriages. Annual value 

of land in 1837, was ^484. 13. 2. ; tithe ^'68 ; houses 
£3190. 19; total £3743. 12. 2. Houses at and under £5,, 

\ 145; from £5. to £10., 68; £10. to £20., 37 ; £20. to £30., 

I 11; £30. to £40., 8 ; £40. to £50., 4; £50. to £60., 2 ; 

5 £60. to £70., 1 ; £70. and upwards, 3 ; total, 279 houses. 

^ Persons rated, 350. In September, 1845, there were 9 

^ licensed victuallers and 2 beer houses. 

( 

i Saint Giles' Hospital. — This hospital for lepers was situ- 



8AI 259 ] 

_] 

ated at the south end of Saint Martin's, and the site still > 

retains the name of Spital-hill. The house and chapel { 

had lands to keep a chaplain and several poor lepers, but s 

when and by whom it was founded is unknown. > 

The first mention made of this house of lepers is in a \ 

grant by Eichard I. : it is again mentioned in an inquisi- > 

tion taken in the reign of Hemy III. in 1222, where we I 

find that King Stephen alienated from his demense at Stam- ■, 

ford five acres of land for its use. In 1303, Geoffry de > 

Croyland, Abbot of Peterborough, gave William Poncyn, of ] 

Stamford, the wardenship for life, on condition that he sup- ^ 

plied the chantry in its chapel three times a week, and kept up > 

the building of the house and all other accustomed charges. I 

The succeeding abbot, Adam Boothby, signified his inten- ^ 

tion of visiting this and other religious houses in Stam- > 

ford : but being incapable of fulfilling his engagement, he { 

appointed Hugh Stukely and Philip Kilkenny to officiate > 

for him. This was in 1323, at which time Sir Walter de \ 

Bernack was the warden. I 

Saint John the Baptist's Church. — This neat little church > 

stands at the bottom of High-street and at the north-east ^ 

corner of St. John's-street ; it was rebuilt about 1450, and > 

consists of a nave and two aisles, with a chancel, and two < 

small chapels, one at the end of each aisle, the whole of ^ 

which is separated from the choir by a beautifully carved > 

oak screen, but the finest parts of the workmanship are, ^ 

with execrable taste, nearly filled up with paint. The ^ 

tower is at the north-west corner. Mr. Eickman in describ- ) 

ing the architecture of this church, says, " it is principally ^ 

of perpendicular character, with fine wood roofing, and a l 

south porch with a rich crocketted canopy ; there is some ^ 

good wood screen- work, and the stairs to the rood-loft re- > 

maining." The roof of the church is ornamented with ^ 

grotesquely-carved figures of angels, &c. There is an octago- i 

nal font here deeply sculptured, and well deserving of notice. \ 

The paintings round the altar were executed by Michael \ 

Collins, who gave them to the church in 1724, on condition ^ 



2C0 



that he might have a burial place in the chancel. The 
centre piece represents our Saviour at his last supper, sur- 
rounded by the apostles ; and on the sides are the portraits 
of Moses and Aaron. 

When Mr. Peck published an account of this church, 
there was much painted glass in the windows, of which 
very little now remains. He mentioned the whole-length 
portrait of S. Oswald, the King and martyr; the Kings Ed- 
mund and Edward, who were also saints and martyi's ; a 
person depicted upon a bier with several others surrounding 
his corpse ; the saints Erasine and Giles ; the half figure 
of a nameless saint seated, and apparently in deep contem- 
plation ; the figure of Christ surrounded by a glory, and 
supported by two angels in beautiful copes, their wings 
eyed like the train of a peacock ; the martyrdom of St. 
Lawrence broiling on a gridiron, and his portrait in a blue 
cope embossed with divers circles, in each of which were 
the letters IHS. ; Thomas a Becket ; the Saints Martin, 
Ambrose, Austin, Blase, Nicholas, John the Baptist, Luke, 
Mark, George, Christopher, John, Matthew, Mathias, Eliza- 
beth, Agnes, Barbara, Petronilla, Mary Magdalene, and 
Etheldreda ; a person kneeling clothed in a religious habit, 
with a book and desk before him, and a label over his head, 
inscribed * Sancte WWielme ora pro nobis ;' Cleophas and 
Anna ; Joachim and the Virgin, with the cbild Jesus holding 
a little stafi'in his hand ; Zebedee, the Virgin, and the child 
Jesus ; Eichard, a benefactor to this church, in a monkish 
habit; six unknown persons, one in scaiiet with a black 
girdle, kneeUng before a desk, the remaining five also in 
religious habits, kneeling behind; three other persons in 
the same garb and posture, with a label over them, inscribed, 
*0 beata trinitas ;' (these nine figures were depicted in the 
east window of the north chancel, and were supposed to re- 
present the family by whom it was ornamented, the bottom 
having an inscription importing that William and Agnes 
made the window in the year 1-151 ;) the Virgin Mary and 
a Pope unknown ; representation of a church, which Peck 



261 



I supposes to have been tlie old cliiirch of Saint Jolin ; a large 

< painting of the crucifixion ; one of the three Kings, or wise 
^ men of the east, who came to ofi'er Christ his nativity, 
\ crowned, with a chalice in his hand, and a label over him 
^ with this inscription ; * Video stellam ejus in oriente fidgen- 

< tern cum splendor e ,•* the angel Gabriel, with a label con- 
c taining his salutation of the Virgin, * Ave Maria ! gratia 
\ plena d'nus tecum, beata tu inter feminas ;' the Virgin her- 
^ self, with a label containing her answer, ' Ecce ancillam 

domini,Jiat mihi secundum verbum tuum ;' another figure of 

the Virgin, sitting in a stable with Christ upon her knees, 

^ with ' Gloria in excelsis' inscribed over them ; and a repre- 

< sentation of several shepherds feeding their flocks, having 
these inscriptions over them : — 

* ffie fiabe 5et£ a lioi^ t^zxb)U\)z to plaue,' 

* ^InU ^txz a pope ti&e sootfie to sap,' anU 

* Saije tis, Hort.', as tf)ou i^cll map/ 

Among the monuments in Saint John's church, only two 
or three of which claim any particular notice, is a large blue 
stone in the middle aisle, to the memory of Nicholas Byl- 
dysdon and his wife. Theu* figures, inlaid in brass, are clad 
in habits for mass, and their hands are conjoined as in the 
act of prayer ; below him is a gi'oup of friars, and below her 
a group of nuns, in the same attitude ; and on the four cor- 
ners of the stone are the symbols of the evangelists. The 
inscription immediately under their feet is as follows : — 

'^va^ for s^ sotill of ngcjolas igltr^stron, 
sumtgme allrerma* of tj^s toton k "kattv^n 5ts 
iDgff |)« iD^gcS Satogtt trece5Si)tr g^ hiii trag of 
septe't' V 8« ^zvz of our lortr mcccclxxxtx. on 
tDjos' soull j'ju Jabe meres/ 

On another large blue slab nearer the pulpit is the fol- 
lowing insription in brass : — 

*f^tc jacent ^IBill'm's (JErregorg (ju'tra' ma'r 
istt btlle tt ^gnes uxor eras q^uot a'i'ab's 
p'picietur Ireus. ^men. 



262 



In the middle cliancel is another blue slab, with a figure < 

inlaid in brass, vested in priest's robes, having his hands ] 

also conjoined; but the symbols of the evangelists on the I 

corners of the stone, and the inscription beneath his feet, are ^^ 

torn away. They were all perfect, however, in Peck's time, ^ 

when the latter ran thus : — ^ 

'^it iactt maqwUv jenrtcus gargeaunt \ 

^uontrum rector isttus tctVe, aut ohiit i4o- trie \ 

mtnm junij att° tr'nt xatcttlxxixbii, eujus \ 

am'me p'jjieietur treus, ^men. \ 

The rectory of Saint John's with Saint Clement's, to which ( 

it is united, is valued in the King's books at £S. 8. 6-J. The I 

returned annual value is £167. Patrons, the Marquis of i 

Exeter two turns, and Eichard Newcomb, Esq. (who in 1837 I 

purchased the right of the Corporation), one turn. The \ 

present Incumbent, the Eev. Dennis E. Jones, was appointed \ 

in 1833 by John Roden, Esq., (the then Mayor,) in the room i 

of the Eev. Eichard Atlay deceased. j 

Saint John's Fields. — These fields were stated in Mr. <, 

Dunn's Plan, in 1836, to be as follows, \iz. : — \ 

In Pingle Field 3a. Or. 27p. \ 

Saint John's Parish Statistics. — The quantity of land is \ 

3a. Or. 27p. No highways since June, 1 841. Population \ 

of this parish was, in 1785, 492 ; 1811, 845 ; 1821, 1003 ; \ 

1831, 1109; 184.1, males 574, females 637, total 1211; \ 

under 20 years, males 258, females 295 ; 20 years and up- < 

wards, males 316, females 342 ; 806 were born in Lincoln- ^ 

shire, — the rest elsewhere. Houses inhabited 236, unin- 5 

habited 4. In the six years, 1837 to 1842 inclusive, there s 

were 245 buths, 144 deaths, and 43 marriages. Annual < 

value of the land in 1837, was £4. 0. 4., houses <£2512., \ 

total £2516. 0. 4. Houses at and under £5., 120 ; from \ 

£5. to £10., 32; from £10. to £20., 19 ; from £20. to £30., \ 

16 ; from £30. to £40., 8 ; £40. to £50., 6 ; £50. to £60., \ 

6 ; total, 207. Persons rated, 258. In September, 1845, \ 

there were 15 licensed victuallers. \ 



263 



Saint Legefs Hospital. — The site of this hospital is nn- 
known, and the only fact on record is, that King Stephen 
gave to it an acre and a half of land out of his manor of } 
Stamford. \ 

Saint Leonard's Monastery of Black Monks was situated < 
about a quarter of a mile east of Stamford. The building < 
was commenced about the year 658, and was the oldest con- \ 
ventual church in all South Mercia. It was founded by \ 
St. Wilfred the elder, tutor to Prince Alkfrid, from whom > 
he received the present of land at Stamford sufficient to \ 
maintain a monastery of ten families. Wilfred was con- < 
secrated Archbishop of York in 669, and in 678 expelled \ 
from that see ; but travelling the next year to Eome, on ? 
pleading his cause before Pope Agatho, he was acquitted 
and restored. In 691, he was again expelled, and in 703, 
taking another journey to Eome, and making his appeal to 
Pope John VI., he was a second time restored to his 
bishopric. He afterwards became possessed of some pro- 
perty at Oundle, where he died in 709. 

In 1082, the monastery was rebuilt by WiUiam the Con- 
queror and William Kahiiph, Bishop of Durham, who gave 
it to the priory and convent of that place. 

The side aisles are both destroyed ; these, when stand- 
ing, made an extensive front, which was a beautiful speci- 
men of workmanship. According to Mr. Peck, it was also 
twice its present length, and even then, beyond the nave, 
ascended the steeple, which was flanked by the cross 
aisles, and terminated by the choir. He concludes, there- 
fore, that what is now standing is not a fifth part of the 
original building, although it is an extensive portion of the 
church. It measures thirty- three feet, and is much ad- 
mired for its Norman doorway, which is composed of a 
central and two smaller side arches, with pointed and dental 
mouldings, supported by clustered and open pillars. The 
windows are in the same style, and very narrow. Mr. 
Hickman says, " St. Leonard's Priory is the remains of a 
Norman church ; the west end is of mixed Norman and 



264 



early English, the forms being Norman, and the details I 

mostly early English." \ 

This house was used as a cell to the monastery of Dur- I 

ham, and served as a nursery for young monks to study \ 

under their seniors. This monastery became the residence i 

of Sir Henry de Stamford, during the latter part of his life, j 

which ended in 1320, and he was buried in the choir be- > 

fore the high altar. He is said to have been born on St. \ 

Leonard's day, elected bishop on St. Leonard's day, and s 

buried in St. Leonard's church ; and ancient superstition ^ 

records, that, after his interment^ a light was seen shining | 

on his gi'ave like a sunbeam. < 

St. Leonard's had the manor of Cuthbert's fee, which be- I 

longed to the cathedrsil church of Durham, as part of its \ 

possessions ; but it paid ^68. per annum to the Abbot of ^ 

I Croyland. In the taxation of the temporalities of the ? 

> clergy, completed in 1'292, occur these particulars : — - i 

I The prior of St. Leonard without Staunford has, < 

> £. s. d. I 

> In the Deanery of Hoylland 3 2 < 

> In the Deanery of Nesse 15 \ 

S In the Deanery of Staunford 7 17 6 I 

) In the Deanery of Aslackhow 8 7 5 S 

< In the Deanery of Manlake 3 3 I 

\ In the Deanery of LafFord in Koteland, under < 

\ the Prior of Durham's name 32 2 i 

> In the Deanery of Manlake, under the same < 

? Prior's name 1 13 9 I 

) <, 

< It was valued at £26. 1. 2. per annum by Dugdale, at i 
\ £SQ. by Reymer, and at £SQ, 17. by Speed; and was 5 
] granted in the fifth of Edward VI. to Sir W. Cecil, after- s 
^ wards Lord Burghley, by whose heirs it is still retained, s 
] The remains were lately used as a storehouse for bark, and I 
^ with the small manor adjoining is still called St. Cuth- \ 
I bert's fee. I 

> About 1780, six stone coffins were dug up by a Mr. Eid- I 
\ lington, who levelled the hill before the north front of the \ 
-, mansion house ; they were an'anged alongside each other < 



265 



and covered over, but dust was the only vestige of mortality 
whicli they contained. 

In May, 1833, whilst workmen were restoring the west 
front, they discovered a stone coffin about eighteen inches 
below the surface of the ground, and near to the centre 
arch. On opening the coffin, the skeleton of a female was 
found wrapped in a cloth composed of wool and horse- 
hair. 

The mansion-house is now occupied by Wm. Fenton, 
Esq., who, about 1844, greatly added to the beauty of the 
building, by pulling down the walls which had filled up 
the arches on the north side, and by glazing the windows 

in the west front. \ 

Saint Martins Bede House (Lord Burghley's). — This \ 

hospital is situated at the south-west corner of the bridge, ) 

and is erected partly on the site of Saint Thomas's Hospi- j 

tal. The building is a right angle, and contains twelve > 

dormitories on the ground floor, a chapel, and house for X 

the warden, a school room over the dormitories, and rooms \ 

which are let for store-houses. The hospital was erected in > 

1597, by the Lord Treasurer Burghley, who endowed it > 

with i9lOO. yearly, issuing out of lands in Cliffe Park, to be > 

employed in the maintenance of a warden and twelve poor \ 

men. The first five to be appointed by Lord Burghley and < 

his heirs, the next four by the vicar of Saint Martin's, the ? 

Bailifi'of the Manor of Stamford Baron, the Senior Church- > 

warden, the occupier of the Nunnery and of the George s 

Inn, or by a majority of them, and the last four by the \ 

Mayor of Stamford, the Eecorder of the Borough, the \ 

Steward and Bailiff of the Manor of Stamford, or the ma- \ 

jority of them, the Mayor to be one of the majority. \ 

Thomas Billet, steward to the founder, gave a rent ^ 

charge of £16, for ever, issuing out of his lands and tene- > 

ments in Grantham, &c., for the maintenance of two poor ^ 

women, to officiate as nurses to the poor men in the hospi- \ 

tal. The women to have three shillings each weekly, and \ 

the remaining sum to be equally divided amongst the war- \ 



266 



den and the twelve poor men, for their better maintenance. I 

And a further gi'ant was made to the same by John Wing- \ 

field, Esq., of Tickencote, in the fourth of James I. The l 

deed of this gentleman settles £16. per annum on the > 

charity, twelve of which to supply the warden and the > 

twelve men with fuel, and the remaining sum to be be- > 

stowed upon the nurses for attending the sick. ] 

The warden now receives 6s. weekly, each of the men >^ 

4s., and each of the nurses 6d., which sums are paid every \ 

Friday morning by the steward of the Marquis of Exeter, ^ 

or some person deputed by him. The Tickencote money, \ 

as it is called, is paid half yearly, as follows, viz., 10s. to > 

the warden, 9s. 2d. each to the poor men, and 20s. each to > 

the two nurses. Each of the men, including the warden, s 

has also a load of coal and about six yards of blue cloth \ 

for a cloak or other apparel, annually. Besides these re- > 

ceipts, other funds Carising from the rents of the school- ^ 

room, granaries or store-rooms, a small paddock or orchard, ^ 

the sale of the fruit in the latter, and other sources,) are ^ 

equally divided amongst the poor men, which augment their ^ 

weekly income in the whole to about 6s. The warden reads > 

prayers on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thurs- > 

days ; and on Saturdays and Sundays they attend service > 

in the parish church. The school-room is occupied by Mr. ^ 

J. E. Martin, who educates 10 boys on the National ^^ 

system. — See Saint Martin's Schools. ] 

Saint Martin's Bull Festival. — The Brethren and Sisters I 

of Saint Martin's Guild " had a bull to be used and sold on i 

Martinmas-day," (November 11th). This Mr. Peck con- \ 

strued into a hull-running on that day. ^ 

Saint Martin's Church. — A church was first erected here \ 

between the years 1133 and 1147, by Martin de Vecti, Ab- > 

bot of Peterborough, who dedicated it to the saint whose I 

name he bore ; and in 1156, William de Waterville gave it \ 

to the convent of Saint Michael, and the vicarage was or- \ 

dained soon afterwai-ds. The present church was built by ^ 

John Russell, Bishop of Lincoln, about 1482. > 



267 



This cliurcli, which is situated in about the centre of the \ 

east side of the High-street, is a large handsome building, I 

consisting of a nave, chancel, north and south aisle, and a I 

square pinnacled tower at the west end of the nave. The I 

steeple contains three bells, on each of which are three \ 

fleurs-de-lis and three lions counterchanged, surmounted \ 

with a coronet. The length of the church, including the > 

chancel and tower, is 113 feet ; and the width of the nave I 

with the aisles, 43 feet. On the crown of the porch are ^ 

these arms : two lions passant gardant, on a chief a pale > 

with a Prester John on a tombstone. Its interior is spacious > 

and lofty, and has a light and elegant appearance, owing to ] 

the slender columns that support the six pointed arches on \ 

the north side, and the five on the south, which divide the ] 

aisles from the nave. ] 

The stained glass in the large eastern and the four other I 

wired windows was so disposed upwards of eighty years ^ 

since by an artist employed by the Earl of Exeter ; and the > 

glass, of which the small chequered squares were formed, J 

was stained at Burghley. Some of the old figures and arms } 

belonging to this church, with others brought from Warwick- > 

shire, Snape, in Yorkshire, and TattershaU, in Lincolnshire, > 

were then re-arranged and surrounded with the stained I 

squares as they now appear. There were some other curious I 

pieces (of which IVIr. Peck has given plates in his Annals,) > 

which were probably destroyed or taken away when this ] 

alteration took place : one of them represented the devil I 

flying away with a church in his claws. s 

In the east window of the chancel there are several figures $ 

of the apostles, prophets, and saints : there are also several ] 

shields of ajms, among which may be observed those of the \ 

Abbot of Peterborough, Prior of Dunelm, Flemyng, Eoscel, ] 

Eotheram, Parker, Vincent, Holland, Bertie, Irby, Meeres, ) 

Bilsby, Copledyke, Baude, Bushy, Sheffield, and Exeter. > 

The south window of the chancel, and the east window and i 

two of the south windows in the south aisle, are also richly > 

decorated with stained glass, and display some very good > 



portraits. In the top lights of the third window of this aisle, 
reckoning from the west, may be seen three delineations of 
some historical or other subjects; the second of which repre- 
sents Samson carrying the gates of Gaza ; and the third, the 
decollation of an old man. In the bottom Hghts of the same 
window are the crucifixion, and two other designs, probably 
intended for the searching of Christ in the sepulchre and the 
ascension. The portrait of the figure with a lantern in his 
hand in the centre group is well executed. 

In the east end of the north aisle, under which are en- 
tombed several members of the Cecil family, is a mural 
monument of alabaster and various marbles, thirteen feet 
high, representing under an arch rising over a tomb, a man 
and woman kneeling at a desk in the attitude of prayer, the 
man in armour, the woman in a flowing robe. In the front 
of the tomb are represented their three daughters kneeling. 
Over the arch are the architrave, frieze, and cornice, sup- 
ported by two Corinthian columns, terminating at the top 
with pyramids ; and between the pyramids on the cornice 
rests a cabinet of arms, viz., quarterly, I and 4, Cecil ; 2, 
Winston; 3, Cairleon; impaling quarterly, 1 and 4, Heck- 
ington; 2 and 3, Walcot. The six following inscriptions 
are thus displayed : the first on the frieze, the second on a 
square compartment under the arch behind the two principal 
figures, the third on the front of the desk at which those 
figures are kneeling, and the three others on pedestals or 
compai'tments on the side of the tomb. 

In happy memory of Hichard Cecil, Esq., and Jane his wife. 

The said Eichard was of the Eobes to K. 

Hen. 8. & to K. E. 6. he deceased the 19 of May 

1552. & is interr'd in St Margarets 

Church in "Westminster. He was Sonne to David 

Cecil of Stanford Esq. High Sheriff of the 

County of Northampton in the 33. & 34. 

Yeares of King- H. 8. and is buried in St. 

George his church in Stanford. 

The said Jayne was daughter and Heire of 

Wam. Heckington of Bourne in the County 



269 



J of Lincolne, Esq. She lived 87 Years, 

? whereof she continued a Widow 35 

i Yeares. She deceased the 10th of March 1587, 

> She was a very grave, religious, virtuous, 

( & worthy Matron ; and delig-hted exceeding-ly 

< in the Works of Piety and Charity. She was 
( crowned wi;h. much Honor & Comfort, & (by 

^ God his great Blessing) she lived to see 

( her Children, and her Childrens children, 

^ to the fourth & fift Generation, and that in a 

< plentifull and honourable succession, 

< being a happy Mother of that most Honorble. 
S Sr. Wm. Cecil Knight of the noble Order of 

\ the Garter, Lo : Burghley, Lord high TEER. 

I of England, who lyeth here by her. 

; Margaret was first Elizabeth was first Anne marryed 

I married to Koger marryed to Hobert to Thomas 

( Cave of Stanford Wingfield of Upton Whyte of 

I Esqr. of whom is Esqr. of whom is Tuxford Esqr. 

I descended Sir Thomas descended Ser of whom is descend- 

) Cave ; and after to Bobert Wingfield ed John White 

I Ambrose Smith of Upton Knight ; Esqr. 

< of Bosworth & after to Hugh 
I Esqr. Allington Esqr. 

{ The monument of tlie Lord Treasurer Burleigh is a 
\ magnificent specimen of the heavy style which prevailed in 
\ the architectural subjects of this country in the reigns of 
I Elizabeth and James I. It is placed under an arch between 
) the north aisle and the chancel ; is about sixteen feet high, 
and composed of alabaster and marbles of various colours. 
On a massy tomb, about six feet four inches in length, three 
feet in breadth, and five feet in height, rests the recumbent 
figure of the Lord Treasurer, bare-headed, dressed in rich 
armour, with the robes and insignia of the garter, and with 
the Treasurer's staff in his right hand. Over the tomb is 
raised a canopy of two arches, supported by ten corinthian 
columns, whose pedestals rest on the gTound, three at each 
side and two at each end ; the four at the corners are of 
porphyry terminated by black marble pyramids, and the 
others of black marble. The insides of the arches are di- 
vided into square compartments, ornamented with roses, &c., 



270 



i and above the canopy is placed a cabinet, having on the 

\ north and south sides the arms, crest, supporters, and motto 

< of Cecil, and above them the crest with the motto, * Cor 

< unum via una.' On each side of the cabinet, and connected 

< with it by brackets, are the arms of Cecil impaling argent, 
I three crescents gules, Cheeke ; and argent, a chevron com- 

< pone argent and azure, between cinquefoils of the last, 
^ Cooke. On each side of the tomb are two compartments of 
i black marble, on which are the following inscriptions, 
I translated by Mr. Peck : — 

} * Sacred to God most good and great, and to memory. The most 

I honourable and far reno^oied Lord William Cecil, Baron of Burgh- 

< ley, Lord Hig-li Treasurer of England, President of the Court 
I of Wards, Knight of the most noble order of the Garter, Privy 
I Counsellor to the most serene Elizabeth, Queen of England, &c., 

< and Chancellor of the University of Cambridge, under this tomb 

< awaits the second coming of Christ : who, for the excellent endow- 

< ments of his mind, was first made Pri\"y Counsellor to Edward the 
^ Sixth, King of England ; afterwards to Queen Elizabeth : under 

< whom, being intrusted with the greatest and most weighty affairs 

< of this kingdom, and above all others approved, in promoting the 
I true religion, and providing for the safety and honour of the com- 

< monwealth ; by his prudence, honesty, integrity, and great services 
<; to the nation, he obtained the highest honours : and when he had 

< hved long enough to nature, long enough to glory, but not long 

< enough to his country, quietly fell asleep in Christ. — He had two 

< wives : Mary, sister of Sir John Cheeke, knight, of whom he begat 
c one son, Thomas, now Baron of Burghley ; and Mildred, daughter 
c of Sir Anthony Cooke, knight, who bore to him Sir Eobert Cecil, 

< knight. Privy Counsellor to Queen Elizabeth, and President of the 
I Court of Wards ; Anne, married to Edward, Earl of Oxford ; and 
^ Ehzabeth, to William Wentworth, eldest son of Baron Wentworth.' 
5 

^ Against the north wall of the same aisle is the stately 

i monument of John, the fifth Earl of Exeter, and Ann his 

I countess. It was executed under the direction of the earl 

I himself, at Kome, by Peter Stephen Monnot, in 1701. It 

\ is chiefly composed of white and veined mai'ble, and rises 

< nearly thirty feet in height. A sarcophagus is supported 
\ on a black marble pediment by four lions' paws, on the 
( right hand of which stands a bold figure of Minerva, with 
I her shield displaying the Gorgon's head ; having a spear in 



271 



her right hand and a palladium in her left. On the left \ 
side is a corresponding statue of Pallas, resting her right \ 
elbow on a book placed at the eai'l's feet, and leaning her > 
head upon her hand : her left hand, containing a hammer 5 
and pencils, hangs by her side ; and at her feet ai-e other s 
implements of art. Upon the sarcophagus is the reclining I 
figure of the earl, in a Roman costume, mth the countess <. 
behind him : his right ai-m is supported by an embroidered i 
cushion, which covers a heap of books : the countess is ? 
represented with a pen in her right hand and an open book \ 
in her left, as ready to note down the words of the earl. I 
Above these, in the back ground, is raised a lofty pyramid, I 
displaying in the centre a shield of arms, viz., Cecil im- I 
paling Cavendish, and terminated by the figure of a child \ 
holding a snake in the form of an amulet, as emblematical \ 
of eternity. In the front of the sarcophagus is an inscrip- s 
tion, which is thus translated : — c. 

Here hes buried, John Cecil, Baron of Burg-hley, Earl of Exeter, > 
son of the great Eurghley's great grandson, and in no wise unworthy $ 
of his renowned progenitor. For he beautified an excellent genius ^ 
Tvith the best manners, and the best arts. Being well instructed in I 
pohte letters, he went abroad more than once ; and, from the most j 
refined parts of Europe, brought home much knowledge of an- < 
tiquities, languages, and civil afi"airs. Yet, when no man perhaps ^ 
could either better adorn a court, or manage the pubhc business, 
rather made choice of ease and retirement. He hved therefore at 
his own country seat, elegantly, sumptuously, splendidly ; dehghted 
with all genteel studies, to his friends aff'able and pleasant, to the 
poor bountiful, and of the laws and church of England ever a stout 
champion. He had for wife, and the companion of his virtues and 
travels, and, in a manner, of his studies, Anne, of the right noble 
house of Cavendish, daughter of WiUiam, Earl of Devon ; for the 
beauty of her body, ingenuity of her mind, and all those accomphsh- 
ments which can any ways adorn a lady, famous ; of whom he be- 
gat five children : happy in his spouse, and happy in his offspring ! 
But among all the things which make life more blessed, being ever 
mindful of mortaUty, when he was in Italy, whilst he thoroughly 
examined and as curiously collected the works of choicest art, there 
he caused this monument to be made, where it could be most ex- 
quisitely done, for himself, and the most dear consort of his bed and 
travels, and of all his cares. He died August the 29th, 1700. She 
died June 18th, 1709. 



i 272 



^ On a cenotaph on the north wall is this inscription : — 

J 'In sacred memory. Near this monument lies Edward Dethe, 

^ Esq. , a man fruitful in good ofl&ces to his country, and the father of 

'< twenty children by one wife, Grizel Steward, a descendant of the 

< noble family of the Stewards. He was a man of strict honour, the 

< most polished manners, and of exemplary piety towards God. Emi- 
^ nent in the art of jurisprudence, he discharged the office of justice 

> of the peace in this district with becoming dignity. Being born to 
N an ample fortune, he used it honourably so long as it was allowed 

> him, and supported the loss of it in the civil wars with fortitude, 

< aided to the last by the kind support of two successive Earls of 
j; Exeter. He enjoyed a vigorous old age, the reward of unusual 
$ temperance ; (not of this period ;) until at length, his years increas- 

> ing, and being admonished of his approaching dissolution by an in- 
\ veterate palsy, he died the 5th of March, 1687, in the 78th year of 
^ his age. Mindful of the friendship which had been zealously cul- 
^ tivated with him for several years, Francis Hatcher, an afflicted 
c' old man, and who, in a short time, is likely to follow- him, has thus 

< piously performed his last obsequies.' 
< 

^ Nearly opposite the above is a similar stone, inscribed to 

c the memory of William Wissing, an artist of celebrity both 

i in historical subjects and portraits. He was a competitor 

s with Sir Godfrey Kneller, though somewhat his inferior. 

I He obtained the favour of Charles H. and James H., 

\ which latter monarch sent him to the Hague, to paint the 

I portraits of William and Mary, then Prince and Princess 

^ of Orange, by which performance Wissing gained great re- 

< putation. — The justly celebrated Prior addressed a copy of 
I verses to the Countess Dowager of Devonshire, on the last 
^ picture he painted, which was that of John, the sixth Earl 
I of Exeter, by whom he was for some time patronised. The 
? following is the inscription : — 

I ' He whom Holland educated, whom France for some time cher- 

^ ished, and England, a juster judge of the arts, (various of which 

I he practised,) loaded with more ample benefits ; a man of the poli- 

^ test and gentlest manners ; cut off by an untimely death in the 

^ flower and strength of youth, having scarcely entered upon his 

( thirty-second year ; is here laid, — "William Wissing, of Amsterdam. 

I As a painter he was equal to the ancients — greater than the mo- 

( derns — and an able scholar of the celebrated Lely. Alas, the fate 

} of early genius, which, like an early bunch of grapes, being soonest <; 



273 



ripe is ftrst plucked from the vine ! To preserve his memory, the 
illustrious John, Earl of Exeter, (the best of patrons,) erected this 
stone. He died September 10, 1687.' 

In the south aisle a beautifnl marble tablet bears the 
following inscription ; — 

' Sacred to the memory of Henry Fryer, of St. Martin's, Stamford 
Baron, son of Henry Fryer and Ann his wife : he died the 17th of 
May, 1823, aged 61 years, having-, through life, been a friend to the 
IX)or : he finally devoted to their use the bulk of his estate. Also, 
to the memory of Martha Fryer, his sister : she died the 17th of 
February, 1804, aged 43 years.' 

On the south wall of the chancel is a neat tablet to the 
memory of Dr. Cyril Jackson, the father of Bishop and 
Dean Jackson, of whom brief memoirs are given in a 
former part of this volume. 

On a black slab in the floor at the west end of the nave 
is the following inscription to Mrs. Eyley, at whose house 
King William was a visitor : — 

Here Ueth the body of Mrs. Ehzabeth, 

the wife of Mr. John Byley, 
who departed this life March 31st, 1708. 

Near the same is an inscription to the memory of Mr. 
Eobert Curtis, Mayor of Stamford. He was grandfather 
of the Eev. Michael Tyson, and the compiler of the History 
of Stamford ascribed to Howgrave. The date of his death 
is defaced. 

Under the north side of the church, as previously men- 
tioned, is the place of sepultre of the Cecil family, in which 
are deposited upwards of thirty coffins, the greater part of 
them bearing inscriptions. One of stone is inscribed with 
the name of the Lord Treasurer Burleigh, who died, Aug. 
4, 1599. Here are also those of his mother, and David, 
the third Earl of Exeter, but without inscriptions. 

Archbishop Laud was sometime curate of this church. 
This extraordinary man, the son of a clothier at Eeading, 
was bom in 1573. He was educated at Saint John's col- 
lege, Oxford, of which place he was elected president in 
1611, but resigned his of&ce in 1621, on being nominated 



I- 



274 



to the bishopric of Saint David's. He was promoted to the 
see of London in 1628. In 1633, he was sworn a privy 
counsellor for Scotland, and the same year succeeded Arch- 
bishop Abbot in the see of Canterbury. In 1640, he was 
impeached of high treason and other crimes at the bar of 
the House of Lords, and committed to the Tower ; and, 
after an imprisonment of three years, he was beheaded on 
Tower-hill, January the 10th, 1 645, in the seventy-second 
year of his age. 

By the munificence of the Lord Treasurer Burleigh, the 
vicarage of St. Martin's is endowed with the rectorial 
tithes ; and the valuation both of the rectory and vicarage 
is rated in Stamford deanery, in the county of Lincoln. 
After the suppression of the convent of St. Michael, they 
were given in the 32nd year of Henry VIII. to Richard 
CecU, and now belong to the Marquis of Exeter. 

The last returned value was £9S. : value in the King's 
Books, £7. 13. 9., discharged from payment of first fruits. 
The Rev. Richard Atlay was presented to the vicarage in 
1786 ; the Rev. Charles Porter in 1833 ; and the Rev. Ellis 
Bowden Were, the present incumbent, in 1842. An organ 
was erected in this church in December, 1833. Mr. Speech- 
ley, now of Peterborough cathedral, was organist here for 
some time, and was succeeded by Mr. Layton (who, with 
the assistance of Mr. Thaddeus Wells, also holds the of&ce 
of organist at Saint Mary's and Saint Michael's churches). 
The church was elegantly re-pewed with oak, richly carved, 
in 1844, under the superintendence of Messrs. Browning, 
architects ; and it may now be reckoned the second church 
in the diocese of Peterborough for beauty and neatness. 
There is a burial yai-d attached to this church, and a new 
burial ground, walled round, was made just outside the 
town, near the Barnack-road, in July, 1796, and this 
small plot may be said to contain two of the heaviest men 
in England, viz., Daniel Lambert, 52st. lllbs., and Mr. 
Noon, farm bailiff to the Marquis of Exeter, near 30st. 



275 



Saint Martin's (Donations to). — There are several dona- 
tions that belong to this parish. 

Jane Sallet, spinster, of Hunting-don, gave a rent charge of 
lis. 8d. for ever, to be issued out of her late dwelling- ; to be paid 
to the churchwardens of this parish, upon Monday in Easter week, 
viz., 6s. 8d. (part thereof) for a sermon to be preached on the said 
Monday in this parish church ; and 5s. to be distributed to 15 poor 
persons of this parish, 4d. each. 

Catherine Gregory, of Easton, in the county of Northampton, 
spinster, by her last will, gave three pounds, the interest of which 
to be laid out in bread, to be distributed among the poor every 
Good Friday. 

Thomas Kettleborough, of this parish, gent., settled three acres 
of arable land, lying in the high fields of Stamford Baron ; the rents 
of which to be laid out in bread for the poor, and distributed every 
St. Thomas's day. 

Margaret, relict of John Johnson, gave twenty shillings, the in- 
terest to provide six twopenny loaves, to be given to six poor 
widows of the said parish, upon New Year's Day, yearly and for 
ever : it being the day of the donor's birth. 

Jeremiah Lawford gave forty shillings, the interest of which to be 
yearly distributed among the poor. 

The Bight Honourable Elizabeth, Countess Dowager of Exeter, 
by her will gave sixty pounds, the interest of which to be yearly 
distributed among the poor of this parish. 

The following account of further donations is copied 
from a table formerly placed against the south wall of the 
church : — 

Margaret Featherstone, of this parish, gave twenty shillings, the 
interest whereof to purchase six twopenny loaves, to be given to 
six poor widows on New Year's Day. 

The Honourable Elizabeth, Countess Dowager of Exeter, in the 
year 1723, did give £70. to the use of the poor of this parish, which 
have purchased four acres of land in Bainton meadow, the rent 
whereof to be distributed yearly amongst the poor. 

John Cummins gave by his last will to the minister and church- 
wardens of Saint Martin's, £4., to them and their successors for 
ever, upon special trust that they lay out 4s. in bread, viz., two 
dozen of penny, and four dozen of halfpenny loaves, and give the 
same to the poor of Saint Martin's aforesaid, yearly, upon the same 
day that he should be buried, which was the first day of May. 



> 276 



S Mrs. Mary La-vvford ^ave to the minister and churchwardens of 

I Saint Martin's £2., to be by them and their successors put out to 

^ interest, and the interest thereof, yearly, upon Ascension-day, to 

; buy twelve twopenny loaves, and to be given by them to twelve poor 

S widows of the said parish. 

> William Woodward gave to the minister and churchwardens £5., 

> the interest to be laid out in 30 twopenny loaves, to be given to 30 
? poor widows on the 22nd of February, or the next Sunday after, 
I yearly, for ever. 

5 Saint Martin's Fields. — This parisli, including the hamlet 

^ of Wothorpe, contains 2170 acres : only 40a. Or. 13p. being 

\ within the Borough. The fields were inclosed by Act of 

> Paiiiament in 1795. 

> Saint Martin's Gates. — Mr. Peck speaks of two streets, 
\ High-street and Water street, and five gates; they were 
<, situated as follows: — a gate in Water-street, (formerly 
\ called Est by the Water,) opposite to the house occupied by 
I Joseph Phillips, Esq. ; a second in Burghley-lane ; a third 
^ between Saint Giles' Hospital and the south end of the prin- 
\ cipal street, and called High-gate ; a fourth in Church-lane; 

> and the fifth at the south end of the bridge, over which was 

> Saint Thomas' chapel. — See Castles. 

> Saint Martin's Parish was called in William the Con- 
J queror's Survey *the sixth ward' (see page 166). It also 
] adds — *The same William holds two hides* and half a 
\ virgate,f more or less, in Stamford, and Abbot Benedict 
^ purchased of him. The land, in all, is five carucates. There 
^ are here seventeen villanes (souls), with a presbyter, and 
|; four bordariij who have four carucates. There are eight 
? acres of meadow, formerly let for twenty shillings ; now for 

> forty. Leuric held them free in King Edward's time.' 

I In the reign of Henry I., the Abbey of Peterborough had 

\ forty- two tenants here, with land not measured, adjoining to 

> 

\ * A hide of land was as much as was sufficient for the cultivation 

f- of one plough, and therefore varied in different places, it some- 

i times being 64 acres, and sometimes reaching 100. 

p t A virgate also varied from 15 to 40 acres. 

> t The Bordarii were occupiers of houses larger than cottages, 
^ with a little land annexed, for which they supplied the lords with 

> poultry, eggs, &c. 



SAi 277 I 

____^ > 

\ 

their houses ; and seventeen tenants who had houses with- I 

out land. There were at that time also fifteen undersetes I 

(servants or undertenants,) who performed service only for ^ 

those masters of families on whose land they were settled. > 

The moneyers paid at Easter twenty shillings for the privi- ^ 

lege of exchange at Oundle and Peterborough markets, and \ 

twenty shillings for coinage. 

About 1170, William de Waterville, elected Abbot of Pe- 
terborough in 1155, bought all the village on the south side 
the bridge of Stamford, and redeemed, for a sum of money, 
fourteen houses with the ground belonging to them, which 
stood beyond the bridge, and were claimed by a certain 

knight as his inheritance. The succeeding Abbot, Benedict, ^ 

in 1189, had granted him, by Eichard 1., all Saint Martin's, > 

with the adjacent lands and mills, the churches of Saint > 

Martin's and All Saints', in the said parish, the monastery } 

of Saint Michael, the hospital of Saint Thomas and Saint ^ 

Giles, and the house of the Holy Sepulchre. I 

The whole of Saint Martin's being part of Kockingham ] 

Forest, Eobert Lindsey, Abbot of Peterborough, with several I 

knights and freemen, about 1214, gave King John twelve > 

hundred marks to have the same, with some other places, > 

disforested. ] 

Henry III. confirmed this grant in 1224, and added 14 ^ 

mansions in Stamford. After the dissolution of the monas- I 

teries, the manor of Saint Martin's was given by Henry ) 

VIII., in 1542, to the Dean and Chapter of Peterborough. ] 

It afterwards became the property of the Cecil family. < 

Saint Martin's Parish Statistics. — Population of this \ 

parish in 1785, 800 ; 1801, 865 ; 1811, 937 ; 1821, 1190; \ 

1831, 1225 ; 1841, males 632, females 743, total 1375 ; > 

under 20 years, males 278, females 317 ; 20 years and up- > 

wards, males 354, females 426; 704 born in Northamptonshire, \ 

— the rest elsewhere. The entire population of this parish, I 

including the hamlet of Wothorpe, and 94 in the union, is I 

1443. Houses inhabited 244, uninhabited 8. Annual value > 

of houses within the borough in 1837 was £3083. 10. \ 



278 



Houses at and under ^5., 91 ; from £5. to £10., 40 ; from 
£10. to £20., 28 ; from £20. to £30., 19 ; from £30. to 
£40., 8 ; from £40. to £50., 7 ; from £50. to £60., 5 ; 
from £60. to £70., 1; £70. and upwards, 3. In 1845 
there were 10 licensed victuallers, and 2 beer houses. — 
See Wothorpe. 

Saint Martin's Schools. — Dorothy Cecil, wife of Thomas, 
first Earl of Exeter, purchased and settled 74 acres of 
arable land, lea and pasture, in Miningsby, Hareby,Enderby, 
Kirkby, and Claxby, in the county of Lincoln ; with a 
house built upon the said ground ; also one close of pas- 
ture, called Sheffield's Close, containing 14 acres, lying in 
Sutton Marshes, in the county aforesaid; the rents and 
profits of which to be employed to the following uses, viz., 
for placing poor boys and girls apprentices ; for providing 
two proper persons to teach poor children to read English 
and knit ; and for such other allowances to the poor of the 
said parish as the trustees shall think fit ; which trustees 
to be always nominated by the Earls of Exeter. 

A part of these funds, agreeably to the intentions of 
the beneficent donor, are appropriated by the Vicar and 
Churchwardens, in providing a master and mistress to in- 
struct ten children of each sex, who also receive a suit of 
blue clothes each annually. They are admitted at nine 
years of age, and continue at their respective schools till 
they are fourteen. The master receives a salaiy of ten 
guineas per annum, and the mistress £5. 

A Sunday School was established in this parish about 
1 785, by means of a charity sermon preached for that pur- 
pose by the Rev. R. Atlay, from Proverbs, c. xxii., v. 6, 
* Train up a child in the way that he should go, and when 
he is old he will not depart from it.' The sum of £18. 
was then collected, and the funds for its further support and 
continuance are supplied by subscriptions occasionally ob- 
tained by a recurrence to the same means. There are 
usually about 104 boys, and half that number of girls, who 
have a dinner provided for them every Christmas. 



279 



Saint Mary's Benniwerk. — This church, which was 
valued in the taxation of Pope Nicholas at ^£2.^6. 8, stood 
on the north side of St. Peter's-street, on the site of the 
present tithe-yard, just within St. Peter's-gate. The Prior 
and Chapter of Durham had a pension of ^1. out of it, 
which was a rectory, and in their presentation. The 
church is said to have heen destroyed by the northern men 
under Sir Andrew Trollope; after which it was united to 
Saint Peter's. 

Saint Mary's Church stands on the top of the hill leading 
to the bridge ; it is not exactly known when it was erected, 
but is supposed to have been built in the thirteenth cen- 
tury. Mr Rickman thus remarks, — " It is one of the finest 
churches in the town, though not very large ; the steeple, 
a tower and spire, is a very fine specimen of early English 
composition. There are early English parts about the 
church, but a large portion of it is perpendicular, with some 
rich chapels, and a fine monument, with the effigies of a 
knight and his lady on a canopied altar tomb ; the font is 
octagon and perpendicular." 

The church comprises a nave, chancel, chapel, and north 
and south aisles. The interior of the church measures 40 
feet by 48, and is 45 feet in height, exclusive of the chan- 
cels, which, united, are 34 feet by 42, and each 36 feet in 
height : the extreme height of the spire to the top of the 
vane is 163 feet, ft $ 

The steeple, which is highly deserving the attention of 
the antiquary, was repaired with several iron bandages in 
1788, under the direction of Mr. John Hames, of Stamford, 
at an expense of ^300. ; and in the year following, the 
bells (then six in number) were new hung and repaired by 
Mr. Edward Arnold, of Leicester, at a cost of £45. 

In 1802, two new bells were added by the same founder, 
making a peal of eight, the tenor of which weighs 
19cwt. 3qrs. : the expense of this addition was £84. 6. 6. 
A few years afterwards, a new set of chimes was also 



280 



erected here by the Corporation, assisted by the subscrip- 
tions of the inhabitants generally of the town. 

The Corporation gave £5. towards casting the old fifth 
bell in 1624, which was inscribed, * Campana Burgensihus 
de Stanford inserviens : this is the town bell, and was cast 
in the first of Charles I. : ' and hence probably the reason 
why a bell is invariably tolled at this church at the sessions, 
and on other public occasions. The sanctum bell is in- 
scribed with the name of the saint to whom the church is 
dedicated. 

In the Cotton Library is the following account of some 
expenses towards this church in 1427 : — 

£. s. d. 

Expended in mending- the bells 6 

Paid for and iron 1 2 

"Wax boug-ht to make two torches 15 4 

A chain 7 

Paid Thos. Harpmaker for making- the schafte 3 4 

And for making two torches 1 10 

Glue on 

Head lead...... 2 

In charges for bringing the schafte 8 

A bell rope 8 

Pro Nei'fis for the schafte r 1 

AUttlerope 2 

For plo [plomber perhaps] ..034 

Cloth for the schafte 11 

Writing 2 

Given the players 6 

For hanging the towel 4 

Mending the books 10 

For hanging the napary and towel 5 

Leather for the bell ropes 2 

Thred for the canopy 1 

Victuals for Eichard [the] carver and brother 

Bowsby 5 

Given to a certain carpenter, a carver, to in- 
spect the rood-loft 6 

\_Solut. vigario'] of John Whitside 9 

Paid Thomas [the] glazier for mending the 

church windows 5 

Paid John [the] roper for a bell rope 11 

Paid him for another rope 10 



281 ; 



£. s. d. 

Thred bought for the vestments 1 

Paid Agnes Yonge and others 10 

Paid Thomas Basse for a Bawdryck 6 

Paid Kichard [the] carver 1 10 

For a little bow for a bell 4 

"Wax for the common light 4 

£3 12 10 

There is an error of 9s. either in the total or in some par- 
ticular item of this account, as the collected sums now make 
£4:. 1. 10. The article is copied from Peck ; hut whether 
the error rests with him or the original document, we 
cannot say. 

In 1819, the north side of this church was repaired, and 
the memoranda now ohservahle (placed in the wall hy order 
of the Archdeacon,) specify the exact portion of ground that 
belongs to the church, and which was then thrown into the 
highway. This was previously a rude terrace, about three 
feet high. The interior of the building also was much re- 
paired and improved, at a cost of £200. 

In 1725, says HaiTod, Mrs. Wills, of Exton, in the county 
of Rutland, gave £200. to this church to procure the like 
sum (as augmentation to it,) from the bounty of Queen 
Anne. Besides this, there are few other benefactions that 
deserve notice. A library, now composed of a closet and a 
few shelves, was erected in the south choir by Eichard Ban- 
ister, gent., who gave to it some books and left ten 
pounds ; the interest of which was to be expended in the 
purchase of others which the minister for the time being 
should approve. It was afterwards repaired by Joshua 
Blackwell, mayor, and supported by the subscriptions of a 
society of gentlemen; amongst whom was Brownlow, the 
eighth Earl of Exeter, who contributed fifteen guineas on 
the 7th of July, 1726 ; but the Library has long since ceased. 

The gilded choir was ornamented at the sole expense of 
WilMam Hickham, alderman of Stamford in 1467. The roof 
is a black ai-ched ceiling, with painted and gilt lattice work, 
having on the point of each intersection carvings of gro- 



282 



; tesque heads, animals, trees, and other devices, all gilt. A 

\ star in the centre, and a leaf at each of the corners of the 

i diamonds formed by the cross wood-work, are also gilt ; but 

I several of these ornaments have fallen away, and the gilding 

\ is now much decayed. At the bottom of the ceiling, on the 

> sides, is the following inscription : — 

I ^rate pro aiabs : Milli : I|iciil^am et '^liciae uxoris 

\ t]\xs qru : aiabs : p'picictur ©eus. "^mcn. 

I Near the altar is an ancient monument of curious work- 

l manship, but now in a very dilapidated state. A knight lies 

> in armour cap-a-pie on a tomb, with a lion couchant at his 
\ feet, having his lady by his side, apparently with a lamb 

< couchant at her feet. This monument, we learn, on the au- 

< thority of Leland, was erected to the memory of Sir David 

< Phillips and his wife; the former of whom, according to 
( Peck, founded a chantry in the church. 

c Opposite the above, under the north-east window of the 

i same choir, and behind the seat, may still be observed 

\ another ancient monument of a knight in armour cap-a-pie. 

< Some have supposed it to have been built for a person of 
i the name of Browne, but of what family is unknown : it ap- 
\ pears to be about the age of Edward I. or II. 



In the window, at the upper end of the same choir, were 



{ formerly the arms of Beauchamp, Earl of Warwick, viz., I 

\ gules, a fesse between six crosslets or; also of Ogle, of I 

< Pinchbeck, viz., argent, a fesse between three crescents < 
^ gules ; and a third, viz., azure, a cross fitched between two c 
\ eagles' wings or. But these, and also the arms of Shelton, s 
I of Norfolk, in the middle south window, viz., azure, a cross ^ 

< or, have long since been demolished. All the stained glass i 
\ that now remains is in the east window, and consists of the i 
\ heads of an old and young man, and a few other panes va- > 

< riously ornamented. $ 
I Near to this window there lately hung a table of arms, ^ 
\ dedicated to the memory of Frances, the wife of Robert [ 
\ Slow, of this parish, gent.: she was the second daughter of I 

< Sir John Burrel, of Dowsby, in this county, and died July I 



287 



Saint MichaeVs Church (New). — The old church having 
been in ruins for about two years, the Clergy and Inhabi- 
tants of Stamford made an effort to re-build it. Subscrip- 
tions were set on foot, and succeeded so well that, in Octo- 
ber, 1834, the Committee felt themselves authorised in 

adopting the plans of the new church, which were made by \ 

Mr. John Brown, Architect, of Norwich; and on the 12th > 

of May, 1835, the foundation-stone was laid by Lady > 

Exeter, assisted by Lord Burghley, on which occasion a s 

grand procession, consisting of the Clergy, Corporation, > 

Workmen, and Schools attended ; and the Committee and I 

several of the Clergy and Gentry dined at the Eed Lion Inn. I 

On the 19th of October, 1836, the church was consecrated ^ 

and opened by the Lord Bishop of Lincoln, who also > 

preached on the occasion, when ^171. 4. 1. was collected. > 

The day was kept as a general holiday; and a procession, ^ 

including the Corporation and Gentry, met the Et. Eev > 

Prelate and 70 of the Clergy at the north door. After ser- > 

vice, 120 ladies and gentlemen partook of dinner at Stand- > 

well's hotel, the Bishop presiding. ^ 

The church cost little more than j£3800., though it is I 

admitted that the contractors, Mr. Eobert Woolston, and ^ 

Mr. Charles Collins, lost a considerable sum by the job. > 

The church is very neat and plain, something in the early ^ 

English style, and consists of a nave and chancel, having a ^ 

vestry on the south, and a staircase to the gallery on the \ 

north ; there is also at the west end, a neat tower contain- < 

ing the six bells which were in the former church, a clock, i 

and a staircase to the gallery which surrounds the north, ^ 

south, and west sides of the church. The east window is > 

composed of ornamental and coloured glass, with the repre- > 

sentation of the descent of the Holy Spirit in the form of a ^ 

dove. There were also catacombs erected underneath the \ 

church. The Society for Building and Enlarging of > 

Churches gave £400. towards the funds, on condition that > 

400 sittings were declared free. On the death of the Eev. ^ 

C. Swann, in April, 1838, the parishioners memorialized the > 



288 



\ Marquis of Exeter to present the Eev. John Newton Peill, 

^ the curate, to the Kectory, but without success ; and the 

> Eev. WooUey Spencer ha\ing been appointed incumbent, 
^ Mr. Peill left the town, taking with him a beautiful silver 

> tea-pot, bearing the following inscription : — 

> *' Presented to the Hev. Jolin Newton Peill, M.A., Fellow of 
^ Queen's College, Cambridg-e, by the Parishioners of Saint Michael's, 
< Stamford, as a token of their regard for the faithful and zealous 
^ discharge of his ministerial duties. 1838." 

> 

\ The Rev. W. Spencer having come into the parish, 

I greatly against the wish of its inhabitants, (added to the 

] fact that Mr. Peill was a much more eloquent preacher,) a 

> great disunion was caused, and which was greatly increased 
? in 1841, by Mr. Spencer's dispute with Mr. Alderman 
^ Charles Lowe and the Churchwardens, respecting a claim 
s of £10. 10., made by the Rev. gentleman for opening a 
I catacomb. The Churchwai'den (Mr. H. Tebbutt) claimed 
I the money towards the fund for the repairs of the church, and 
\ an action was commenced in the Court of Queen's Bench 
) against Mr. Tebbutt, but Mr. T. gave in without a trial. At 
; the Easter vestry, 1842, the Rector having appointed Mr. 
^ Grant as his Warden for the ensuing year, Mr. Jas. Atter 
I and Mr. James Al thorp were separately nominated on the 
^^ pai*t of the parish. It being understood that Mr. Althorp 
^ was fiiendly to the claim of the Rector, a fierce contest 
; took place between the friends of the two gentlemen, in 
^ which no less than 27 hand-bills were circulated during 
s the poll, which lasted two days ; at the close of which, the 
>, numbers were — for Mr. Althorp, 127 ; for Mr. Atter, 109. 

> This contest stirred up party feeling, and added much to the 

> cause of dissent. 

5 The Rev. Woolley Spencer was, in 1845, removed to the 

< Confratership of Browne's hospital, and was succeeded by 

rj the Rev. Jos. Betton, a very eloquent Evangelical preacher, 

? who, in a few weeks, restored the congregation and filled 

> the church to overflowing ; nor was this all : the collections 
\ (which had been so scanty before,^ increased, and a present 



289 



of ^50. was made by the parishioners to the Eev. gentleman 
at Easter, 1846, and this was immediately followed by 
another subscription to beautify and Tentilate the church. 

Saint MicliaeVs Church-yard. — Several houses in Maiden- 
lane were pulled down to enlarge the burial-ground. This 
piece was consecrated in July, 1822. The church-yard is 
now much too small. 

Saint Michael's Cornstal. — This church stood in the 
street now called Saint Leonard's, but formerly Cornstal- 
street, and on the site of the gardens and barn now belong- 
ing to Richard Newcomb, Esq. It was demolished by the 
Northern soldiers, and the parish was afterwards united to 
that of Saint George. In 1230, a deed mentions that one 
Clement, the Rector, sold the Vicar of Makesey fMaxey) a 
house in Cornstal parish, which stood between one of 
Ernald de Castreton's, and one of Gilbert de Clive's. 

Saint Michaels Fields, — These fields were stated in Mr. 
Dunn's Survey, in 1836, to be as follows : — 

OCCUPIED LANDS. a. r. p. 

Open Grass 2 4 

New Close 7 2 24 

Enclosed Grass 2 1 14 



12 2 



Saint Michael's Parish Statistics. — Quantity of land is 

I 12a. Or. 2p. Population of this parish was, in 1785, 708 ; 

j 1811, 1157; 1821, 1111 ; 1831, 1184; 1841, males 621, 

\ females 638, total 1259 ; under 20 years, males 259, females 

^ 262 ; 20 years and upwards, males 362, females 376 ; 779 

> were born in Lincolnshire, — the rest elsewhere. Houses 

> inhabited 236, uninhabited 10. In the six years, 1837 to 
s 1842 inclusive, there were 235 births, 151 deaths, and 39 
I marriages. Annual value of the land in 1837, was 
\ ^17. 6. 2., houses £4705. 5., total ^64726. 11. 2. Houses 
I at and under £o., 97 ; from £5. to £10., 42 ; from £10. to 
\ £20., 29 ; from £20. to £30., 21 ; from £30. to £40., 20 ; 
\ from £40. to £50., 12. ; from £50. to £60., 4 ; from £60. to 



£70., 10 ; ^70. and upwards, 7. Persons rated, 291. In 
September, 1845, tliere were 19 licensed victuallers. 

Saint Michaels Sunday School. — This school was first 
opened on the 2nd of March, 1834. Soon after the open- 
ing of the new church, the Rev. Mr. Swann, on account of 
ill health, appointed the Eev. J. N. Peill as curate. This 
gentleman lost no time in promoting the cause of education; 
and, in a short time, the number of pupils at the Sunday- 
school was increased to 50 ; and was continued by his 
successor, the Eev. W. Spencer. Early in 1846, the Rev. 
Jos. Betton commenced a day school on the National plan. 

Saint Paul's Church stood at a little distance within St. 
Paul's Gate : the remains of it were converted into a Free 
School. On the verge of an arch, in the north wall, was 
the following inscription: — 'Hicjacet Eustachius Malherhe, 
Burgincis Stamford.' 

In the south wall of the court-yard of the house in which 
the masters of this school reside, over the doorway, was a 
square stone, with this inscription : — ' Donum M : Tho : 
Bellot StamfordicB Gymnasi Archis. An'o D'ni : 1609;' 
namely, the gift of Mr. Thomas Bellot, master of the 
school at Stamford in the year of our lord 1609. This 
stone is supposed to have been fixed in the front of the 
house before it was re-built, and that Mr. Bellot gave the 
house itself to the school. Another room was added to the 
north side of the building in 1832. — See Eadcliffe's School 
in Charities. 

Saint Peter's Church was a rectory, standing on a green 
spot on the south side of Peter-hill ; and, as it appears from 
Domesday Book, belonged to Hemeldune (Hambleton). 
In this book it is said that the king had a carucate of land 
in Saint Peter's parish, and half a carucate in that of All 
Saints. The parsonage house (now in the occupation of 
Geo. Chambers, Esq.) where the vicars formerly resided, is 
opposite the site of Saint Peter's church. 

The church was valued in Pope Nicholas' taxation at 
£9. 13. 4., besides a yearly pension of £1. to the mother- 



291 



churcli at Lincoln. When the church was taken down is 
not known ; but the Rev. Thomas Hickham was minister 
of the church of Saint Peter in 1495. 

Saint Stephen's and Trinity Churches stood without the 
walls, at the east end of the town, on the site of a close 
called by the juveniles "hollow-boys' -hollow," and were 
destroyed by the Northern soldiers ; the parishes were first 
united to each other, and afterwards both, with Saint An- 
drew's, were joined to Great Saint Michael's. 

Saint Thomas' Church. — The situation of this church, 
there is reason to believe, was in or near to Rock-close, 
Scotgate. In June, 1816, there were dug up by some work- 
men in this close, the bones of eight human bodies, which 
were lying about three feet below the surface of the eai'th, 
and ranging in a line, and the bodies were deposited with 
their heads to the west, after the manner of christian 
burial. The church was destroyed by the Northern 
soldiers. 

The "Rock Cottage," which stood here, formerly belonged 
to Geo. Denshire, Esq. ; it was afterwards sold to John Dra- 
kard, Esq.; and, in 1838, it was purchased by Richard 
Newcomb, Esq., who pulled down the old house and erected 
an elegant mansion in its room. 

Schools. — Mr. Peck's opinion that Henry de Hanna, 
Warden of the Carmelite Friary was the first person who 
instituted schools at Stamford, cannot be borne out by facts ; 
but finding that a Carmelite school did exist on the site of 
the houses now occupied by Mr. Newzam and Mrs. Redifer, 
in Saint George's-square, and without a founder, there is 
something presumptive in favor of that opinion. Mrs. Jane 
Cecil, the Lord Treasurer's mother, lived in the house in 
the reign of Elizabeth. The house was pulled down in 1720. 

Seaton Thomas. — The Rev. Thomas Seaton was a native 

\ of Stamford, and probably the son of John Seaton, who filled 

^ the office of Chief Magistrate of that borough in the yeai's 

1704, 1718, and 1727. Thomas Seaton died about 1750, 

\ and left by his will an estate at Kilingbury, in Northampton- 



\ 292 SEM 

( 

l shire, (which in 1810 produced clear d£40. per annum,) to 

I the University of Cambridge, for ever, the rents to be dis- 

l posed of yearly to the Master of Arts whose poem on a given 

< subject shall be best approved by the Vice- Chancellor, the 

< Master of Clare-hall, and the Greek Professor, or any two 

< of them. The subject to be one or other of the perfections 

< or attributes of the Supreme Being — death, judgment, 

< heaven, hell, purity of heart, or whatever else may be judged 

< to be most conducive to the honour of God and the recom- 
i mendation of virtue. The subject to be delivered out in 
I March, and the poem to be sent to the Vice-Chancellor on 

< or before the 10th of October following. The poem to 
^ be always in English, and to be printed ; the expense of 
\ which is to be deducted out of the product of the estate, and 

< the remainder given to the composer. 

( Sempringham Hall, or the Gilhertine School, stood on the 

; site of the house now occupied by Mr. George Eeesby, ba- 

< ker, on the south side of All Saints'-street. The arched 
\ door-way of stone, forming the entrance to Mr. Reesby's 
I house, is very ancient, and much like the entrance to a col- 

< lege or hall. It is not known when it was founded, but, in 
c 1303, John D'Alderby, Bishop of Lincoln, granted a licence 

< for the performance of di\ine service by a chaplain, in the j 
I chapel of Saint Mary, within the manor of Mr. Eobert Lu- \ 
I terel, (Rector of Irnham,) in the parish of Saint Peter, i 

< Stamford. This manor Luterel had given to the prior and $ 

< convent of Sempringham, of the Gilhertine order, expressly \ 
I for the reception of scholars to be instructed in divine c 
I learning and philosophy. { 
i The priory and monastery of Sempringham, by their deed, own ( 

< themselves oblig'd to Robert Luterel, aforesaid, in consideration \ 
<. of the lands he gave them at Keten, Cotismore, and Castreton, in J 
/ the county of Rutland, and at Stamford, in the co. of Lincoln, to main- < 
? tain three chaplains to say mass for his soul, one in the parish I 

< church of Saint Andrew, at Irnham, one in the church of Saint i 
^ Mary, in the manor of Stanford, and one in the conventical church ^ 
> of Sempringham, as also to encrease the number of scholars, study- ( 
/ ing divinity and philosophy at Stanford, in proportion to the num- ( 
' ber of their monastery ! — DugdaWs Monasticon. \ 



293 



SoliUers.-^-In 1584, Stamford was ordered to have 30 men 
trained for war. The South Lincolnshire Militia Staff was 
kept here until 1832, when Lord Brownlow, the Lord- 
Lieutenant, removed it to Sleaford. 

Spa. — This mineral spring was discovered in the summer 
of 1819. It rises in the beautiful meadows a short dis- 
tance east of the ' Wash,' and about a mile west of 
Stamford. 

The following statement was published as the result of 
its analyzation : — 

' The temperature of the water at the origin of the 
spring is 52 degTees of Farenheit's thermometer, and its 
specific gravity very nearly 1,0015. One quart of the 
water, when evaporated to dryness, gives 10,68 grains of 
solid matter, consisting of 

Oxidiron ,08 

Carb. lime 4,8 For the Gaseous Product. 

Mur. soda 1, Ciih. in. 

Sulph. hme 4,4 Carb. acid 2,9 

Silex ,4 Atmospher. air 1,8 

10,68 4,7 

Stallage, taken by Earl WaiTen, Lord of Stamford, 1288. 
— See Corporation. 

Stamford (Etymology of). — Stamford is supposed to have 
derived its name from the ford near the Nunnery of Saint 
Michael, and was compounded of the Anglo-Saxon words 
siean and ford. Camden thought it was called Steanford 
from its being built with freestone. It was written Staun- 
ford by the Monks; Stamford by Butcher; and Stanford 
by Peck. 

Stamford (Histories of). — The English Historical Library 
by W. Nicholson, Archdeacon of Carlisle, in 1696, says, 
" Lincolnshire wants an historian of skill and courage an- 
swerable to the vast store of materials (of all kinds) which 
are there to be had. Its fenns and marshes are indeed 
largely treated on by Sir William Dugdale, in his History 
of Imbanking; and in the yeai* 1671, there was published 



294 



a short relation of great damages done by a tempest and 
overflowing of tlie tides in this county and Norfolk. But 
its main body lies yet undescribed, to the reproach of all 
those persons of learning and ingenuity that are its natives. 
— R. Butchefs Survey of Stamford is often quoted by 
Thomas Fuller (in his Worthies) when he comes to speak 
of Lincolnshire ; as it is likewise, very frequently, by F. 
Wright, in his Antiquities of Eutland. It was printed in 
I the year 1646." 

? "Butcher's Survey and Antiquities of the Towns of Stam- 
J ford, in the County of Lincoln, and Tottenham-High-Cross, 
I in Middlesex." It is dated 1646, but not printed until 1717. 
\ It has 158 pages, and its size is crown 8vo. 

< "Essay of the Ancient and Present State of Stamford," by 
J Francis Howgrave, published by William Thompson, Stam- 

< ford, 1726. Its size is foolscap quarto, and contains 108 
I pages. 

I "Annals of Stamford," by Francis Peck, 1727. This 

< book contains much matter for the Antiquarian, but is of 
\ little use to the general reader, as it has no index, and 
^ the several articles relating to one subject are scattered all 

^ over the book, thereby requiring about two days in looking I 
\ through ; another disadvantage is that the history is not < 
i carried down later than 1461. i 



Its size is foolscap folio, and contains about 650 pages, ( 

and many engra\ings. Mr. Peck's " Desiderata Curiosa" \ 

also contains much that relates to Stamford and Burghley. — \ 

See Peck. \ 

Mr. Harrod published a neat work in two volumes, ? 

foolscap octavo ; they number 560 pages, and have several \ 

plates. It is dated 1785. i 

The last, and decidedly the best for the general reader, I 

was published by Mr. John Drakard, proprietor of the Stam- s 

ford News, in 1822. It is demy 8vo., and numbers 640 I 

pages, and has several good plates. The published price, I 

in boards, was £1. 1. I 



STU 205 i 

> 

There are also several Topographical works which relate ^ 

to Stamford, hut they are chiefly copied from the previous. ^, 

Steeple Races. — On the 23rd March, 1836, a steeple race \ 

came off near Belmisthorpe-bridge, and was won by Mr. f 

Green's b. h. Cannon-Bail, On the 8th of March, 1837, a ^ 

similar race came off near Stamford, and was won by Mr. s 

Fendall's m. Columbine. > 

Stephen and Eanulph, Earl of Chester, met at Stamford ^ 

in 1140, to conclude a peace. Stephen came here again in ? 

1149, and held the town and castle until 1153, when it 5 

surrendered to Henry II. ^ 

Stukeley, William, a celebrated antiquary, was Eector of I 

All Saints Chui'ch. He was a native of Holbeach, in this <, 

county; and, having taken the degi'ees of M.B. at Cam- ^ 

bridge, in 1709, commenced practice as a physician at Bos- ^ 

ton ; but in 1717 he removed to London, where he was in < 

the same year elected F.R.S. He became one of the re- ^ 

founders of the Society of Antiquaries in 1718 ; and the < 

year following, having taken the degree of M.D. at Cam- c 

bridge, he was made a Fellow of the College of Physicians. \ 

In 1726, he removed to Grantham, where he resided till I 

1729, on July the 20th of which year he was ordained by i 

Archbishop Wake ; and in the October following was pre- c 

sented by Lord Chancellor King to the rectory of All Saints' ^ 

with Saint Peter's, in Stamford. ^ 

During his residence in this place, he founded a Literary < 

Institution called the Brazen-nose Society, in memory of < 

the university here bearing that name. This society was \ 

founded in 1745, on the decline of one that was established ^ 

in about 1721, after the plan of that of Spalding, by John, I 

Earl of Exeter, Eecorder ; Maurice Johnson, his deputy ; I 

Cecil and Bertie, the Eepresentatives in Parliament ; Dr. i 

Attwood, his lordship's chaplain; J. Blackwell, Esq.; < 

Dixon Colby, M.D. ; J. Hepburn, surgeon; and Mr. Eich- < 

ards who wrote for them. The Brazen-nose Society met c 

in the building erected on the site of the university j 

weekly on Saturdays, and quarterly on the Saturday of or ■} 



296 



preceding the full moon; and adjourned in summer, for the 
convenience of members, to Deeping. Dr. Stukeley's as- 
sociates were the above members of the old society, toge- 
ther with William Ash, Esq.; Rev. E. Bertie, Rector of 
Uffington; George Boulton, M.D. ; Beaiipre Bell, M.A. ; 
Samuel Buck ; John Cathn ; R. Taylor ; Henry, Lord Col- 
rane ; George Denshire, Clerk of the Peace ; Joseph Eyre, 
of Kettering ; John Grundy, Engineer ; Samuel and Roger 
Gale ; William Johnson, Esq. ; Edward Laurence, Sur- 
veyor ; George Lynn ; Tycho Wing and Edmund Weaver, 
Astronomers ; John Macklin, Mathematician, R.S., Secre- 
tary; Rev. John Lynn; Noah Neale, Esq. ; M. Terry; B. 
Ray ; Rev. Henry Owen ; Jonathan Sisson ; Robert Ste- 
phenson; Dr. Wilham Lynn; Dean Richard Pocock, LL.D. ; 
Dr. A. Wagstaffe ; Rev. W. Warburton, &c. 

The object of the Members of this Society, like that of 
its predecessors, was to extend their enquiries into the 
history and antiquities of this kingdom by mutual corres- 
pondence. They did not, however, confine themselves solely 
to these subjects, but made discoveries in Natural History, 
and improvements in Arts and Sciences in general, their 
object, excluding nothing from their conversation but poli- 
tics. And Maurice Johnson, Esq., the founder and able 
supporter of the Spalding Society, caused the Registrar 
there to insert, by way of extract, among their minutes, 
the whole of the first volume of those of Stamford, Societas 
^Eneanasensis, up to 1736, Dr. Stukeley being the then 
secretary. The Spalding society, it may be observed, com- 
menced about 1709-10, and subsisted, says Dr. Stukeley, 
in his history of Carausius, above forty years with the 
greatest reputation ; he was one of its members during 
nearly the whole of that period. The one at Stamford did 
not continue to flourish long : for, in a letter to Mr. Neve, 
dated 1753, Mr. Johnson says, he has lived to see both it, 
and another established at Peterborough, sink into mere 
taverns and clubs. 

Dr. Stukeley being greatly afflicted with the gout, accus- 



297 



tomed himself a good deal to travelling ; the principal fruit 
of which was the publication of his Itinerarium Curiosum, 
in two volumes, with numerous plates. He also published 
the History of Carausius, 2 vols. ; an Account of Stone- 
henge and Abury; Arthur's Oon, in Scotland; Graham's 
Dyke ; Monuments of Antiquity relating to Sacred History; 
Lady Eoisia's Sepulchral Cell, at Eoyston; and various 
other antiquarian subjects, besides some few on medicine 
and divinity. In 1747, he was presented by the Duke of 
Montagu with the rectory of Saint George, Queen-square, 
London, where he appears chiefly to have resided tiU the 
close of his life. He died in his 78th year, in 1765 ; and 
by his own particular directions was buried in the church-yard 
of Ham, in Essex, without any monument to denote where 
his ashes repose. 

Subscription Charities. — The National School for Girls 
was established in 1815, out of the surplus funds of the 
Lying-in-Institution, assisted by voluntary contributors ; 
amongst whom were the Marquis of Exeter and the 
Eight Honourable Lady WiUoughby, for ^50. each ; the 
Eight Honourable Lord Gwydir £40. ; the Earl of Lind- 
sey, George Finch Hatton, Esq., and Lady Charlotte 
Finch Hatton, each ^10. There were several other 
subscribers, chiefly of £5. per annum. The National 
School is held in Wharf-road. 

The above school is united with the Lying-in-Institution, 
which was established in 1814, and held at the house of 
Mr. Harris, in All Saints' -place; they are both under the 
management of a Committee of twelve ladies, assisted 
by the Clergy of the six parishes: the Eev. D. E. Jones 
is Secretary. In the year 1845, the income was 
J6164. 4. 7., of which d£32. 14. 4. was the dividend of a sum 
invested in the funds, and the rest was raised by volun- 
tary subscription: the expenditure was £161. 2. 10. 
The number of children in the school is 127, of whom 
20 are clothed. 
The Dorcas Charity was established in October, 1816, 



298 



under the above title, for the purpose of selling clothing 
to poor persons at half-price. The Marchioness of 
Exeter subscribed ^50., and Lady Sophia Cecil ^10. 
towards the accomplishment of this benevolent object: 
several ladies in Stamford also contributed. It is now 
supported by subscriptions and an annual ball. This 
charity is also governed by a Committee of ladies ; and 
the Rev. D, E. Jones is Secretary. 
Clothing Clubs have for some few years been established 
in the parishes of All Saints', Saint George, and Saint 
John. The poor, who pay 2d. or 3d. per week during the 
year, receive, at Christmas, a ticket for nearly double the 
amount paid, the addition being raised by subscrip- 
tions from the more wealthy parishioners. These clubs 
are under the management of ladies, assisted by the 
clergy. — See Infirmary. 

Theatre, — This building is situated on the south side of 
Saint Mary's-street. It was erected in the year 1768, at an 
expense of £806., by Mr. Alderman Clark and Mr. James 
Whitley, comedian. It is built somewhat after the manner 
of the London theatres ; and, considering its size, which is 
92 feet by 37, is a compact and appropriate building. The 
corps drartmtique usually attend twice in the year, namely, 
a fortnight during the Midlent Mart, and a month or five 
weeks commencing with the race week. The theatre was 
for many years under the management of Mr. Manly; 
afterwards of Mr. Boddie ; and now of Mr. Eobertson. 

Tilts and Tournaments. — By a charter of Eichard I., in 
1194, tilts and tournaments were revived in five places in 
England, one of which was Stamford. The reason given 
for this revival was, that they would make the English sub- 
jects (then so greatly excelled by the French) more expert 
in arms. The chief cause, however, was to advance the 
King's revenue, for he exacted from every earl who tour- 
neyed twenty marks ; every baron ten marks ; every knight 
who possessed lands four marks ; and every knight without 
lands two marks. About 1292, a tournament was held here : 



299 



one of the combatants was Maurice, son of Thomas, the 
second Lord Berkley. 

Tiptaft, William, and Philpot, Joseph Charles, — The Eev. 
William Tiptaft, Vicar of Sutton Courtney, Berkshire, (the 
returned value of which living was ^148. per annum,) turned 
Calvinist and resigned his ecclesiastical preferments in 1831: 
the Eev. J. C. Philpot, Curate of Stadhampton, Oxfordshire, 
taking a similar view, also seceded from the established 
church. Mr. Tiptaft having made occasional visits to Stam- 
ford, and preached in the Assembly-rooms, George de Mer- 
veOleux, Esq., a surgeon of Stamford, built a chapel at a 
cost of nearly £'1000., in North-street : the building is plain 
and neat; and, with the gallery which was afterwards 
erected, will accommodate 600 hearers. It was opened by 
Mr. Tiptaft in July, 1834. Mr. Philpot first preached here 
on the 17th of July, 1836 ; and in October, 1838, he was 
appointed the first resident minister : the ' church' was not 
formed until August, 1839, when Mr. John Warburton, of 
Trowbridge, officiated at the baptism of five adults. Mr. de 
Merveilleux died October the 16th, 1833, and was buried in 
the chapel. A sermon is preached here every winter for the 
benefit of the poor attending the chapel; the collections 
average about £'23. Since the death of Mr, de Merveilleux, 
a rent of £26. per an. has been paid to Mrs. de MerveiUeux. 

Tithe of Stamford Mills, granted to the Prior of Hunt- 
ingdon, by Pope Eugenius the III., August 17, 1147. — 
See Parishes, 

Town-hall. — The present Town-hall stands on Saint 
Mary's-hill, near the church, and was erected in 1777. — It 
is an insulated building, the two fronts of which are of 
Stamford stone. The sessions-room, or hall, measures 52 
feet long, 25 wide, and 19 high. The other rooms are in 
good proportion. In 1837, a fire-proof room was erected 
for the better security of the documents. 

Above the bench is a portrait of James II., presented by 
the ninth Earl of Exeter ; and on the south end is a por- 
trait of the Lord Treasurer Burghley. The three brass 



300 



chandeliers were presented to the Corporation in 1778, by 
Sir George Howard and Henry Cecil, Esq., the Members 
for the Borough. 

Town-hall on the Bridge, was built over the Bridge-gate 
in 1558, and taken down to widen the road in 1776 : the 
Commissioners of the Turnpike paying the cost of a new one. 

Trade and Manufactures. — The town may be considered 
the centre of a circle, having a radius of ten miles, and 
from which centre the Nobility, Gentry, and Inhabitants of 
the little circle are supplied with provisions and necessaries. 
The principal manufactures are malt, beer, soap, candles, 
and flour. 

Some years since, Mr. Gouger carried onaSilk-Throwsting 
business in High-street, where he had the first steam- 
engine in Stamford ; and about 300 women and children 
were employed. This manufactory, however, was closed 
prior to 1830. 

In 1836, Mrs. Knight built a factory for the manufac- 
turing of Drabbett, Sheeting, Diaper, &c. : upwards of 70 
hands were employed, but this also did not last many years. 
Within the last two or three years, Mr. J. C. Grant, iron- 
monger, erected a foundry for casting iron and brass, on a 
small scale, in High-street ; and in 1846, a large and beau- 
tiful new foundry was built near the Gas-works, by the 
Marquis of Exeter, for Mr. Grant's use ; but casting has 
not yet been commenced there. A foundry has also been 
erected near Kutland-terrace, and is worked by Messrs. 
Smith and Company. 

Traffic. — This town is of infinitely more importance than 
mosttownsin the neighbourhood, of which coals, stone, Ume, 
and wool are important items. The free-stone annually sent 
from Lord Northwick's quarries at Ketton, alone (of the 
first quality only) amounts to 4750 tons, besides an im- 
mense quantity of Ketton bats (stone of a smaller size, 
used for meaner buildings). It is also estimated that from 
£5000. to £10,000. worth of stone is sent from Stamford 
to Spalding, to be converted into lime for building and agri- 



301 



cultural purposes, (coals being cheaper at Spalding) in ad- 
dition to the celebrated Easton lime, which is sent from the 
Stamford wharf. The free-stone from the quarries of 
Messrs. F. Simpson and Sons, and !Mr. C. Bland, at Little 
Casterton, also adds largely to the amount. The coals con- 
sumed in Stamford is estimated at 7380 tons annually. 

Trollope (Sir John, Bart.), son of the sixth Baronet, 
bom 1800 ; a deputy-lieutenant of the county ; first re- 
turned for the Parts of Kesteven and Holland in 1841. — 
Eesidence, Casewick, Stamford. 

Tumor, Christopher, son of Edmund Tumor, Esq., bom 
1810; married in 1837, daughter of tenth Earl of Win- 
chelsea ; first returned to Parliament for the Parts of Kes- 
teven and Holland in 1841. — Eesidence, Stoke Rochford, 
and Panton-house, Wragby. 

Twopeny, Richard, was bom at Eochester, August the 
11th, 1757; he was brought up to the church of England, 
and was a bright ornament to it. He married October the 
19th, 1786, Margaret youngest daughter of Cradock NoweU, 
Esq., of Newton Nottage, Glamorganshire, with whom he 
Uved happily for 51 years, and by her had three sons and 
seven daughters ; she died March the 15th, 1838, aged 79. 
The Eev. Eichard Twopeny was presented to the Eectory of 
Casterton Parva with Tolethorpe, near Stamford, by the Hon. 
C. C. Cavendish, in 1783 ; he died at Casterton, November 
23, 1843, at the patriarchal age of 87, leaving two sons and 
five daughters. He was a scholar, and published several 
works. As a christian, he was temperate in all things, and 
never weary of doing good : ' a father to the fatherless, and 
a Mend to the poor, always abounding in charity ; ' and the 
reader may from his heart exclaim, ' may my last end be 
like his.' A neat tombstone was erected for Mr. and Mrs. 
Twopeny, in the church-yard of Casterton Parva, by Mr. 
Eobert Tinkler, builder, of Stamford. 

Tyson, Michael, of Saint John's College, Cambridge, B. A. 
in 1732, and M.A. in 1736. He first married the sister of 
Noah Curtis, Esq., of Wilsthorpe, in Lincolnshire, and se- 



302 



condly, Mrs. Lucas, in 1766. He was a most worthy and 
charitable man, and died in Saint Martin's, Stamford Baron, 
February the 22nd, 1794, aged 84. He was at that time 
Dean of Stamford, Archdeacon of Huntingdon, and Kector 
of Greatford, in the county of Lincoln, and of Wittering, in 
the county of Northampton. He was an athletic, tall, well- 
looking man, a great sportsman, and much in the acquaintance 
and family of Brownlow, eighth Earl of Exeter, Peregrine, 
third Duke of Ancaster, and his father-in-law, Thomas 
Panton, Esq., of Newmarket. 

Unio7i (Poor-law). — The Stamford Union comprises the 
following 37 parishes, viz. : — 



All Saints 
Saint George 
Saint John 
Saint Michael 
Saint Mary 
Saint Martin 
Ashton 
Barholm 
Braceborough 
Bainton 
Bamack 
Collyweston 
Casterton Magna 



Casterton Parva 

CHpsham 

Duddington 

Easton 

Essendine 

Greatford 

Ketton 

Pilsg-ate 

Pickworth 

EyhaU 

Stow 

Southorpe 



Stibbington 

Tallington 

Thornhaugh 

Tinwell 

Tixover 

Uffington 

Ufford 

West Deeping 

Wilsthorpe 

Wansford 

Wittering 

Wothorpe 



The first Meeting of the Guardians under the Poor-law 
Act took place November 19th, 1835. The Guardians are 
elected by the different parishes in March annually. All 
Saints' psirish returns 3 ; Saint George 3 ; Saint John 2 ; 
Saint Michael 2; Saint Mary 2 ; Saint Martin 2 ; Wothorpe 
1. The New Union-house is situated on the Barnack-road, 
near to the Syston and Peterborough Railway; it was 
built by Messrs. Pilkinton and Richardson, in 1836, at a 
cost of ^3645. The Stamford Union is weU managed, and 
Assistant Poor-law Commissioners have frequently spoken 
of this as a pattern to Guardians of other Unions. The 
ofiBcers are — Clerk, Mr. Jeremiah Clapton; Master, Mr. 
John Hart ; Matron, Miss Jane Freeman ; Schoolmaster, 



303 



I Mr. Rowson; Schoolmistress, Mrs. Rowson; Relieving i 

\ Officers, Messrs. Henry Whittome, of Stamford, and Joseph > 

\ Wade, of Barnack. The average number of inmates is ^ 

about 140. I 

University — Commenced previous to 1303, and Stamford I 

became a town of so great repute that, in 1333, a quarrel ^ 

having arisen at Oxford, between the Northern and South- I 

em scholars, a great number of the students resorted to ^ 

Stamford. The Members of the University of Oxford > 

being jealous of this secession, prevailed upon Edward III. S 

to prohibit all persons from studying at Stamford, and i 

several persons were imprisoned, and their goods confis- > 

cated, for resisting the king's demands. Notwithstanding ;> 

this, the schools continued to flourish until the town was > 

stormed and ravaged by the Northern soldiers during the ^ 

wars between the Houses of York and Lancaster. ^ 

Vaudey Hall is mentioned by Peck, but its site is evi- '^ 

dently unknown. Mr. Foster says, "in Saint Maries \ 

Street there is an inne called the Old Swan, which com- > 

mon fame will have to have been a college." The house > 

occupied by Mr. Barber, in Saint Mary's-street, has a large \ 

arch in the passage, but whether either of these build- I 

ings were Vaudey Hall, or indeed a school at all, cannot be ] 

ascertained from such traditionary evidence. " Indeed," > 

says Mr. Blore, " if we are to believe with Mr. Peck, that \ 

all the houses in the town of Stamford which bear marks I 

of antiquity are remnants of colleges and halls for educa- I 

tion, the whole town must have been full of them." ^ 

Victoria (Queen). — On the 3rd of September, 1835, \ 

Her Royal Highness the Princess Victoria Alexandrina, ^ 

(now the Queen) accompanied by Her Royal Mother, the I 

Duchess of Kent, passed through Stamford, on their way \ 

to visit the Archbishop of York at Bishopthorpe Palace. ^ 

On the previous night the royal party dined and slept at the > 

Haycock at Wansford ; and a short time afterwards, the > 

Duchess of Kent sent Mrs. Percival, the landlady, a por- \ 



304 



trait of the Princess elegantly framed, as a token of the 
satisfactory manner in which Mrs. P. had attended to their 
comforts. 

On the 21st of Septemher, their Koyal Highnesses again 
passed through Stamford, when the Mayor, Aldermen, 
Capital Burgesses, and Inhabitants, met them, and escorted 
them through the borough in procession : the Mayor 
afterwards went to Burghley and presented addresses, which 
were graciously received. 

On the 28th June, 1837, William TV. (of happy me- 
mory) having died. Her Eoyal Highness was, with a grand 
procession at Stamford, proclaimed Queen Victoria. 

On the 28th June, 1838, Her Majesty's coronation was 
kept at Stamford with great joy. A grand procession of the 
Corporation, Clergy, Military, principal Inhabitants, Lodges, 
Clubs, and Schools, paraded the town; 1000 children dined 
in the shambles, and 400 persons above 60 years of age 
received Is. each, and 1000 other poor persons 6d. each. 

On the 12th of November, 1844, the Queen and her 
Koyal Consort, Prince Albert of Saxe Coburg and Gotha, 
(to whom she was united on the 10th February, 1840,) 
left Buckingham Palace on a visit to the Marquis of Exeter 
at Burghley. They proceeded in a carriage and four, escorted 
by a party of Lancers, for the Euston-square terminus of the 
London and Birmingham Kailway. 

LadyPortman, the Honourable Georgiana Liddell, Colonel 
Arbuthnot, and Colonel Wylde, followed in a second car- 
riage and four ; and the Lord Chamberlain and Mr. George 
Edward Anson followed in a third carriage and four. 

All along the road from Northampton, the inhabitants 
of the different villages presented themselves to the view 
of their Sovereign, and cheered her passage with every 
mark of respect and joy. 

From Duddington to Stamford, a distance of about five 
miles, the road presented a continuous scene of excitement 
and enthusiasm. The wayside was filled with people and 



305 



"veliicles of every kind, from the carriage of tlie gentry > 

down to the humblest cart. > 

At Easton, a small Tillage close to Stamford, there was a I 

triumphal arch ; and at Wothorpe there was another splen- ^ 

did triumphal arch erected at the expense of the Marquis of ^ 

Exeter. There were spires to the turrets, which formed the S 

sides of the ai-ch, and in the centre the Eoyal arms. > 

At the entrance to the borough an eyergi-een arch, sur- > 

mounted by two flags, was erected, and by the side of the I 

road, near to Dr. Arnold's, an enormous payilion, capable > 

of affording accommodation for 1000 persons, was built. I 

— It was decorated with upwards of 100 small flags, ] 

and a large Union Jack at each end. The pavihon was oc- \ 

cupied by only about 700 to 800 persons — owing to the ] 

late hour at which her Majesty arrived. > 

At the top of Saint Martin's, a magnificent wooden arch, > 

coloured to represent stone, was erected. From one of the j 

turrets a splendid Eoyal Standard was hoisted. On the I 

front of the arch, facing Saint Martin's, there was placed a ^ 

gas illumination of "God save the Queen;" and on the ) 

south side, facing the London-road, V. A. and a crown in s 

gas, which was lighted every evening of her Majesty's stay > 

at Burghley, and had a most beautiful effect. The arches \ 

and pavilion were erected by private subscriptions of the \ 

inhabitants, collected by a committee of 6 or 7 gentlemen. I 

There was also a large Eoyal Standard fixed on Saint I 

Martin's church, the parish her Majesty was then residing I 

in. The whole of the flags were procured by the Committee ; 

from Messrs. Edgington, of London, at great expense. > 

As the procession approached Stamford, the crowd became ) 

very great, and it was with difficulty the Lancers were able I 

^ to open a lane through the people. The Mayor and Corpo- \ 

) ration were in readiness at the entrance of the borough on the I 

I Wothorpe-road, but it was appointed that the addresses to I 

I the Queen and to Prince Albert should be presented on > 

^ another day, at Bui'ghley. The cheering was immense when > 

s the royal carriage stopped under the arch formed of laurels : I 

) ) 



306 



i it was a chariot, and contained only her Majesty and the 
> Prince. The Mayor (Chas. Haycock, Esq.) advanced to the 
) door of the carriage, and addressed the Queen in the foUow- 
l ing words : — " May it please your Majesty: the Mayor, Ma- 
< gistrates, Council, and Inhabitants at large of your ancient 
^ town of Stamford, hail your arrival amongst them with the 
I warmest feelings of loyalty and affection." The Queen leant 
\ forward from the window of the cai'riage in a courteous way, 
\ and with a countenance and manner ex^jressive of the most 
} benevolent feelings, replied, "Mr. Mayor, I receive the greet- 
J ings of my loyal subjects in Stamford with heartfelt satis- 
^ faction and the highest pleasure." The cavalcade pro- 
ceeded without further delay to the entrance to Burghley 
Park, passing under a triumphal arch erected at the end of 
Saint Martin's. The lodges were splendidly illuminated ; 
and at that point her Majesty quitted the immense throng. 
When about 700 horsemen (chiefly the tenants of the Mar- 
quis of Exeter) who followed the Eoyal caniage, had 
entered also, and it was possible for pedestrians to move, 
the Mayor and Council, with the several benefit societies of 
the town and their bands, and an immense phalanx of the 
inhabitants walking four abreast, returned to the Town-hall, 
where the cheers for the Queen were enthusiastically re- 
newed, and three also being given for the Mayor, the as- 
sembly dispersed. Notwithstanding a Committee had re- 
commended that there should not be an illumination of the 
town, many houses were splendidly lighted up with devices 
in gas and coloured lamps, and the streets were crowded till 
midnight, although rain descended incessantly. The exhi- 
bition of flags and devices, with the ringing of the church 
bells, continued throughout Wednesday and Thursday, and 
the illuminations at night were numerous. Dinner parties 
took place at the inns ; and all was joy and hilai-ity. 

Addresses from the Corporation of Stamford to her Majesty 
and his Royal Highness Prince Albert were presented by 
the Mayor ; who, with the Mayor of Northampton, afterwards 
) dined with the royal party. 



307 



There was a brilliant display of fireworks on Wednesday 
evening, followed by a ball, for wliicli Adams' band from 
London was engaged : quadrilles, waltzes, and the polka 
were in-incipally indulged in, and in the former her Majesty 
and Prince Albert joined. Thursday proved a fine and 
bright day ; and the amiable Queen of England availed 
herself of such weather to gi'atify the inhabitants of Stam- 
ford by riding in an open carriage through the principal 
streets of the town. This occurred between three and four 
o'clock in the afternoon. Her Majesty proceeded at a 
moderate pace, and acknowledged the cheering of her sub- 
jects with smiles, and all the indications of a happy and 
gratified disposition. The shops in the different parts of 
the town were closed at one o'clock, agreeably to notice 
given by the Mayor. Her Majesty took the route of Saint 
Martin's, Saint Mary's, and Saint John's streets, up High- 
street, to the western entrance of the Infirmary; then 
moved round by Saint Leonard's Priory, and returned 
in front of the Infirmary, through Saint Paul's-street and 
Ironmonger-street, Broad-street and Red Lion-square, back 
to Burghley. In the carriage with the Queen were Prince 
Albert, the Lady Portman, and the Marquis of Exeter, 
and in other carriages Sir Robert Peel, the Earl of Aber- 
deen, the Marchioness of Exeter, &c. In the early part of 
the morning Prince Albert enjoyed the sport of shooting, 
and the Queen and Prince each planted a tree at Burghley. 

A house was fitted up on Barn-hill by the Noble Marquis 
for the reception of several of his guests. Among others 
located there were Sir George Clerk and the Marquis of 
Granby (Members for the Borough), Lord Lovaine, and 
the Hon. Mr. Pierrepont. 

The happiest circumstance of the time was in the raising 
of J6370. by subscription for regaling the poor of the town 
in celebration of the royal visit. One shilling was given to 
every man, woman, and child who applied for it and was 
of good character. The recipients amounted to 4500 : 
persons having several children, received a liberal sum. 



i 303 WEA \ 

I ;< 

^ Waits. — The waits, originally, were attached to the ^ 

I King's court ; they were minstrels who sounded the watch j 

^ eveiy night, and paraded the streets to prevent depredations, i 

< Stamford had four musicians dressed in scarlet cloaks < 
^ trimmed with gold lace and cocked hats : their duties were ^ 
s to play hefore the Mayor on public occasions, and round 5 

> the town three nights each week from Saint Simon and ^ 
^ Saint Jude's fair to Christmas; the salary was ^2. 10. each: < 
? in addition to this they received Christmas boxes of the ^ 
/ inhabitants. On the passing of the Municipal Reform Act < 
^ in 1835, this office was abolished, but the musicians still < 
i play during winter as before, for which services they receive S 
^ the contributions of those inhabitants who do not like to > 
^ see all our good old customs die away. — See Bellman, < 
^ Water. — In 1645, Stamford was supplied with water by ij 
^ two conduits and four wheel-wells until 1697, when Mr. { 

< William Yarnold, of Saint Alban's, supplied the town with \ 
I water from the river, and a reservoir was made at the ^ 
I Mai'ket-cross for that purpose. After Mr. Yarnold's death, \ 
\ the reversion was purchased by Mr. William Feast, who c 
s found the engines so expensive that he proposed to bring c 
\ the water in wooden pipes from Wothorpe, ^and he obtained r 
^ leave of John Earl of Exeter for that purpose. ] 

< In 1786, the wooden pipes were re-placed by iron ones < 

> of three inches bore, at the expense, and under the control c 

< of the Earl of Exeter, who then began to receive the ^ 

< water-rents. In 1837, the Marquis of Exeter obtained < 
\ an Act of Parliament for supplying the town with water, i 
J and by which Act he is compelled to fix fire-plugs, and keep ^ 

< duplicate keys of the same at the Fire-engine house. This < 
] act is undoubtedly a benefit to the borough, but it is to be < 
I much regretted that the pipes are not extended to the east < 
\ end of the town. — See Conduits. '> 

< Weather. — In April, 1641, a very heavy rain, accompanied ^ 
( by a high west wind, caused a flood which covered the < 
^ bridge. On Saturday, November 1, 1736, a very high j 
} wind blew down a windmill on the wes| side of the town, J 



309 



and did miicli damage. On the 4th of May, 1800, a most 
dreadful storm passed over Stamford : the thunder and 
lightning were terrific, and the hailstones destroyed nearly 
all the -windows facing the south-west. On Friday, the 
81st August, 1821, a shower, which did not last an hour, 
inundated the town. In Protection-place, Scotgate, the 
water was six feet high, and potatoes, apples, plums, 
onions, &c. were conveyed by the stream from the market, 
down Maiden-lane and the Hotel-yard : the electric fluid 
stnick the house occupied by Mr. Samuel Watson, tanner, in 
Blackfriar's-street, and partly uncovered the roof: this storm 
extended only a mile round Stamford. On the 10th of June, 
1822, there was a severe tempest of thunder and lightning, 
which did much damage in the neighbourhood ; and on \ 
the 28th of the following month a heavy storm of thunder, > 
lightning, and hail took place. ] 

In 1823, on the 27th January, the streets were so covered ^ 
with ice, that many persons skated from Scotgate to the top ? 
of High-street. On the 14th of January, 1827, Emlyn's- \ 
close tree was split in two by a violent hurricane, and 50 ] 
feet of the main stem was brought to the ground. I 

1830. On account of the exceeding wetness of the I 
summer months this year, there were gi-eater and more \ 
frequent floods in the Eiver Welland than had occurred > 
for many years previous ; and the meadows becoming in- I 
undated, caused a greater loss in sheep, by the rot, than \ 
had ever before been experienced. \ 

1833. August 31, there occurred a tremendously high ^ 
wind from the N.W., which was supposed to have been the > 
greatest wind since November 10th, 1810. The roofs of \ 
buildings were much damaged by the removal of many \ 
slates and tiles ; but happily further than this no material \ 
injury was done. I 

1835. In the night between the 23rd and 24th of Oc- ^ 
tober, there occurred one of the most remarkable pheno- > 
mena of whirlwind that we have on record. Although in i 
the immediate -vicinity of Stamford, it was not severely ] 



310 



felt, but a little to tlie west its destructive effects could be 
traced over a very considerable si3ace. It seems to have 
moved from S.W. to N.E., and about 50 yards in breadth. 
The severest amount of damage done by the storm was 
in the neighbourhood of a thicket called " Empingham New 
Wood," where a s^ainy, consisting of fir and ash trees of 
rather large dimensions, (about a foot in diameter,) the 
whole of which, with the exception of two or three, were 
broken off in the middle, several feet from the ground ; it 
then passed across the " heath," twisting off trees of a 
smaller size, and scattering the branches of others several 
yards. A similar phenomenon was experienced in Rutland, 
in September, 1749. 

On the 17th of January, 1839, a very high wind arose, 
by which the gasometer was upset, and many corn stacks 
blown down. 

1842. June 14th, between 1 and 2 o'clock, p.m., a tre- 
mendous thunder storm occurred, accompanied with much 
rain and large hail ; during which the electric fluid struck 
Saint Mary's church, and damaged several feet of the spire. 

1843. On the 31st July, another terrific tempest oc- 
curred. A house occupied by Mr. E. Beall, in North-street, 
was made a complete wreck by the lightning, at a time when 
seven persons were in it ; and they all miraculously escaped. 
Another dreadful tempest occurred on the 9th of August, 
and was remarkable on account of its duration, beginning 
before 7, a.m., and continuing throughout the day, until 
after the midnight following. At tliis place no material 
damage was done, but the rain falHng in torrents, inun- 
dated the cellars and low rooms, causing much annoyance 
to the inhabitants. This probably was the longest tempest 
since the 11th June, 1748, when, according to a journal 
kept at that time at Empingham in Eutland, it thundered 
for 30 hours in succession. 

On the 1st of August, 1846, a most tenific storm of 
thunder, lightning, and hail passed over Stamford, and the 
damage to the windows and greenhouses at Burghley, 



311 



Uffington, and Casemck was Tery great ; the destruction of > 

property at Uffington-liouse alone was estimated at £'2500. ? 

Fortunately Stamford escaped with little damage. ; 

Wliite-friary. — This house and chiu'ch stood on the site > 

occujjied by tlie Stamford and Paitland Infinnary ; and from ] 

the extent of its waUs must have been yery large. According I 

to tradition, it was very magnificent, and much admired for > 

its beautiful church and elegant spire, which Mr. Peck des- > 

cribes as being similar to All Saints. The western gateway, > 

which is still standing, is a piece of gi-eat antiquity. OTer I 

the arch are three niches, and over each of which there were \ 

formerly coats of arms, though the two side ones are now > 

defaced. I 

Speed states this house to have been founded by King ] 

Edward III., but there is indisputable evidence of its exist- \ 

ence in the 13th of Edward I., and the friars had an ample I 

confirmation of privileges in the 11th of Edward II. They ] 

had also grants from King Edward III., in the 7th and 10th I 

years of his reign ; and the arms of that monarch, France J 

(semee of fleurs-des-lis) and England, (quarterly, are those I 

still remaining over the gateway. ? 

It was dedicated to the Virgin Maiy, and from its agree- > 

able situation Bale and Pits frequently call it a most delighful I 

monastery. Several of our monarchs were entertained here I 

in their journies to and from the nortli ; amongst whom was \ 

Edward III., who held a council in it whilst at Stamford. \ 

This friary appears further to have been of gi-eat note in \ 

England, fi-om several of the Provincials choosing to reside I 

in it. The most learned men of the age were members of I 

this fi'aternity at Stamford, and held academical exercises ] 

and read lectures in the school. Henry de Planna, its war- ] 

den, was the second Provincial of the whole order thi-oughout > 

England : he was buried in this monastery Nov. 28th, 1299. > 

Wniiam LuUendune, warden of this house, was buried > 

here. After his death, in 1319, a general chapter of all the I 

Carmelites in England was held at this convent, to choose ] 

another Provincial. Walter Heston, was chosen Prior. > 



312 



Ralph Spalding was likewise educated here, and flourished 
about 1390 : he was chosen professor of divinity in Cam- 
bridge, and favoured Wickliffe's doctrine : he died and was 
buried here. John Eepingale was a public professor here, 
several years with great applause, having a numerous audi- 
tory. Nicholas Kenton was a Provincial, and also of this 
monastery ; and about 1432 was presented with degrees at 
Cambridge. He was a very eloquent man, and was distin- 
guished by his writings against Thomas Rhedon, of Mantua, 
who was afterwards burnt by Pope Eugenius IV. During 
his Provincialism, which lasted twelve years, he had under 
his government 1500 Carmes in different parts of the nation; 
he resigned his office, and died here in 1460. 

This convent was surrendered October the 8th, 1539, by 
its Prior. The site of it soon came into the possession of 
the Lord Treasurer Burghley, and remained in that family 
until the Stamford and Rutland Infirmary was built there. 
See Heston, Lullendune, and Infirmary. 

Wolph, Richard, a descendant of Ulphus, the fourth son 
of Harold, the last Saxon King of England, lived on Barn- 
hill, where he received Charles I., in 1646. He was chief 
Magistrate of Stamford in 1630 and 1638. He was buried 
in All Saints' Church, as was also his grandson, in 1744. — 
See Charles J. 

Wothorpe (Great). — Wothorpe, Wridthorp, or Wyrthorp, 
is a heap of ruins belonging to the Marquis of Exeter, 
which is situated about a mile south-west of Saint Martin's, 
Stamford Baron, to which parish it belongs. This seat, 
which had a small walled park adjoining to it, is reported 
by Camden to have been built by Thomas Cecil, the first 
Earl of Exeter, " who," continues the same wiiter " plea- 
santly said, he built it only to retire out of the dust, while 
his great house at Burghley was sweeping." After the 
restoration, the Duke of Buckingham, with his family, re- 
sided in it many years. There are only four turrets, (with 
cupolas similar to those at Burghley,} and the fragments 
of three inner walls, now standing, the greater part of the 



313 



I house having been pulled down in 1758-9, and the mate- 

< rials employed in building the stables at Burghley. 

< At the general survey by the Conqueror, Saint Guthlac, 
I Abbot of Croyland, held one hide and a half in Wridthorp. 
^ The arable land was two carucates ; the one was in de- 
\ mesne ; and twelve villanes, with two cottagers, had two 
^ carucates. There were six acres of meadow land, and a 

< mill, rented yearly at 5s. The whole was valued at 40s. 
\ The land and mill in Wothorpe, possessed by the convent 
\ of Crowland, were given and confirmed to it by King 

< Edred, in 948. To this manor, Joffrid Cwho in ] 109 was 
\ constituted Abbot of Croyland by Henry I., on the decease 
I of Ingulphus) sent Elsin, Prior of the house, and a person 

< of excellent learning, with Fregist and Harold, two other 
i monks, and assigned it to them for their support. These 
\ religious men, by their effectual preaching, confirmed the 

< inhabitants of Stamford against Judaism, and collected 

< alms and benefactions towards building a monastery at 
c Wothorpe. 

i After the suppression of the monasteries, the manor, 

I rectory, and advowson of the vicarage of Wothoi-pe, part of 

< the possessions of Stamford priory, and the manor of Wo- 
i thorpe, with all other lands and messuages there, formerly 

< belonging to Croyland monastery, were granted in the 
1 32nd of Henry VIII. to Eichard Cecil. In the 19th of 

s Charles I., his descendant, David, died seized of the pre- 

i mises, and transmitted them to his posterity. 

s Wothorpe (Little). — The Manor of Little Wothorpe, or 

^ Wirthorpe, was anciently held by the Abbot of Peter- 

< borough, and, according to Mr. Stephens, is thus described 
I in Domesday Book. — In Wirtorp, Aluvin holds of the 

abbey three virgates of land, which belong to Witering- 
ham ; there are three socmen, with one carrucate and a 

^ half, and four acres of meadow ; worth eight shillings. — 

I See Nunneries. 



314 



Wytham-on-the-Hill is situated about 6 miles east of 
Stamford. This parish includes Bowthorpe Park, which 
contains the celebrated oak tree : it is hollow, and 15 per- 
sons can dine in it, the girth being 15 yards. Wytham 
Hall is the seat of Lieutenant-General Johnson, M.P. for 
Oldham, a Deputy-Lieutenant of the County of Lincoln, 
and Chairman of the Quarter Sessions at Bourn. He was 
returned for Boston in 1821, and Oldham in 1837. He is 
a considerable patron to the trade of Stamford, and an 
active Commissioner of the Stamford Turnpike Trusts. 



EEPvATA. 



Page 77, Une 2, instead of we have no account as to wh^t became of 
this ground, 7'ead it was afterwards the site of 
the Grey-friary 

, , 31, after their design read to assassinate Lord Biu-ghley, 
he was, &c. 

„ 29, for was read were ^ 

„ ^, for mo read 1136 

„ 20, for 1833 read 1843. 



94, 

178, 
, 197, 
, 299, 



-^ w. r 



PEDIGREE OF THE FAMILY OF CECIL. 






Liii 



'"'l-"^"-'"' 









CHARITIES. 



CHARITIES. 



" The Lord will enter into judg-ment with the Ancients of his 
People, and the Princes thereof; for ye have eaten up the Vineyard 
— the spoil of the Poor is in your Houses." — Isaiah iii. 14. 



\ 



\ As regards the Charities of this town, the author deems it 

< proper to draw the more immediate attention of the benevolent 
\ reader to this part of the work. 

I The value of the property (said to be) devoted to charitable 

^ purposes in the town, being not less than the enormous sum 

< of FOUR THOUSAND FOUR HUNDRED AND TWENTY POUNDS > 

^ PER ANNUM, independent of the Infirmary and other subscrip- \ 

I tion charities. \ 

] With such a startling fact before our eyes, is it not the I 

I bounden duty of all well-wishers of the poor and to the 

\ borough, (for, as the more the poor get from charities, the \ 

^ less will the borough have to pay in rates,) to look into the j 

\ management of these charities, and, if possible, to cause \ 

I a reform in those institutions which may be found to need it? I 

^ With this view, (and at greater cost than anticipated,) he | 

) here presents his readers with as lengthy and authentic a state- } 

\ ment as possible, and his end will be answered if only a 

\ little good be the result. 

\ Stamford, June 30, 1846. 



CHARITIES. 



Stamford Borough is divided into the parishes of St. George, St. c 

Michael, All Saints, St. Mary, and St. John. Such Charities as are I 

general to the whole five parishes will first be considered, and then ; 

the remainder will be distributed under the heads of the parishes > 

to which they are respectively confined. S 

All the general Charities, with the exception of Brown's and \ 

Williamson's Hospitals (which, for that reason, are placed last), < 

were formerly under the management of the corporation, but were i 

about the time of the Inquiry by J. M. Fellows and A. Buller, ^ 

Esqs., vested by the Court of Chancery, under the provisions of the ^ 

Municipal Eeform Act, in the following Trustees '.—William < 

Landen Hopkinson, John Eoden, Eichard Newcomb, James Henry < 

Fysh, Edward Hatfield, Henry Tebbutt, Thomas Woodhouse \ 
Ashby, George Baker, Eichard Knight, John Lumby, the Eev. 
Dennis Edward Jones, the Eev. Charles Porter, (who has left the 
town,) and Clement Eubbins (since dead). 

Charities general to all Five Parishes of Stamford, and under 
the management of the above-named Trustees. 

Badcliffe's School. — William Eadcliffe, who died in or about the 
year 1530 or 1531, by Will (the date of which is not given,) directed 
his feoffees, who were then seised of all his lands, tenements, and 
hereditaments in Stamford, to stand seised thereof, in trust, to find 
an honest and able person, being learned, to teach scholars within 
the town of Stamford freely, and without taking any reward of thera 
or their parents for the same, and to pay to such schoolmaster the 
yearly profits of the said lands, tenements, and hereditaments ; and 
he further directed his said feoffees or executors, within 21 years 
after his death, to obtain the royal licence for the admortisement 
of the said lands, &c. to the use aforesaid ; with a proviso that, if 
such licence should not be obtained, his executors should sell the 
said lands, &c., and employ the produce in such-deeds of charity as 
they should think fit. 

By an Act of the 2d Edward VI. (1548), reciting the said Will, 
and that the said William Eadcliffe had been dead 17 or 18 years, 
during all which time there had been an able and learned school- 
master, who had taught within the said town greatly to the benefit 
thereof and of the other towns thereunto adjoining, but that no 
licence had been obtained for the admortisement of the said lands, 
from which delay it was feared that the feoffees or executors never 
intended to obtain the said licence, but were minded to take the 
benefit of the sale of the said lands after the expiration of the said 
21 years, it was enacted that, from thenceforth, the Alderman of the 
town of Stamford for the time being and his successors should hold 
and enjoy the said lands, tenements, and hereditaments, to the 
intent therewith yearly to find an honest, able, and sufficient learned 



4 CHARITIES. I 

__ 1 

man to teach freely, within the same town of Stamford, all such \ 

POOR young children and infants as should from time to time resort > 

to the school-house ; to which schoolmaster the Alderman for the > 

time being- should pay, on the four usual feast-days, by even por- l 

tions, the rents and profits of the said lands " towards his necessaries I 

finding-." \ 

A.nd it was further enacted, that the Alderman of Stamford > 

aforesaid for the time being, with the advice and consent of the i 

master of the College of St. John the Evangelist, in Cambridge, for \ 

the time being, shall name and appoint from time to time, as often \ 

as need shall require, such an able learned person to be school- ^ 

master there, as shall be apt and meet for the same, and also shall < 

have power to remove and put out any such schoolmaster there for ] 

lack of due attendance or other reasonable cause, and shall appoint \ 

any other such learned man in his room, and that also the trade, > 

form, and manner of instructing and teaching to be used within the \ 

said school be approved and allowed by the said master of the above- \ 

named college for the time being-. \ 

It was found impossible to obtain any early description of the > 

property devised by the Will, no documents whatsoever having been \ 

produced which threw the least light upon this part of the Inquiry. \ 

In Butcher's History, it is stated that the land, let at the best \ 

improved rent, then yielded to the head master and usher £30 per I 

annum or thereabouts ; and that William Cecil (first Lord Burleigh) \ 

gave, or pretended to give, in augmentation of the stipend, £4 per > 

annum, issuing out of a depopulated town near Stamford, called ^ 

Pickworth ; but that, in consequence of an unfair demand of tithes, \ 

made by a chaplain presented by the heirs of Lord Burleigh, the \ 

tenants of the manor of Pickworth had ever since refused to pay < 

the £4 to the use of the school. ? 

In Howgrave's History, it is stated that the land was then let on < 

lease, and produced about £60. a year, of which the clear yearly ^ 

allowance to the master was £40., and to the usher £20.; and that '> 

the master had a house to dwell in, magnificent as well as conve- ^ 

nient, built by subscriptions from neighbouring gentlemen and the ^ 

corporation stock. > 

In Harrod's History it is stated that, in 1783, the schoolmaster > 

received quarterly £43. 4. l^., or £172. 16. 6. per annum. > 

The increased income, at the different periods just mentioned, \ 

may probably be considered as attributable to the increased value > 

of the property, and not to any additions made to it by purchase or ) 

otherwise. Indeed, an inference may perhaps be drawn that, from } 

1646, the estate, as far as quantity is concerned, could not have un- \ 

dergone any material alteration. \ 

By deed of feoffment, dated January 13th, 1608, between Nicholas ^ 

Lambe of the one part, and Thomas Bellote and eight others of the \ 



I CHARITIES. 5 ] 

I other part, it was witnessed that the said Nicholas Lambe, in con- 

> sideration of £50. paid by the parties of the second part, enfeoffed 
} them and their heirs of a house, garden, and orchard, with the 
\ appurtenances, in Saint Paul's parish of Stamford ; and the parties 
I of the second part covenanted and declared that such purchase was 
^ made by them for the dwelling-house of the then late and future 

> -schoolmaster of the free school of Stamford. The deed contained a 
} proviso that such respective schoolmasters should give security to 
I the Alderman of Stamford for the time being to repair and uphold 
) the said house, so often as the feoffees, or the major part of them, 
S should think fit, and a provision that, on the death of any four of 
^ the feoffees, the survivors should appoint four others, to whose and 
] the surviving feoffees' use the premises were to be conveyed, at the 
) expense of the Alderman and schoolmaster for the time being. 

> It should here be observed that, by a charter of Charles IT, all 
^ powers and authorities concerning pious or charitable uses ichich 
\ were vested in the Alderman of Stamford were transferred to the 
I Mayor, Aldermen, and Capital Burgesses. 

"> It appears that prior to the year 1734, to meet the expenses of 

? keeping the school premises in repair, the corporation were in the 

\ habit of letting the estates for long terms upon the payment of 

I fines. 

> The charity subsequently became the subject of proceedings in 

> the Court of Chancery, an information having been filed, at the 

> relation of the Eev. Farringdon Eeid, the then schoolmaster, against 
I the corporation and John Black well and others, lessees of the 
I estates. The object of the suit appears to have been principally to 
) obtain the directions of the Court with regard to the letting and 
5 proper management of the property. 

c By an order made in the cause, and dated 3d August, 1756, it was 

i directed that for the future, a year before the expiration of any 

\ lease of the charity estates, a particular thereof should be settled^ 

) and a time appointed for letting the premises comprised in such 

I lease, before the Mayor at the public hall of the town of Stamford. 

\ to sufficient tenants, for the best rents that could be gotten for the 

S same, free from all taxes, deductions, and abatements whatsoever ; 

^ that an advertisement should be published in the Stamford Mercury 

I a year before the expiration of the lease, and that notice should be 

\ given, leases were to be granted, at the expense of the lessee, who 

S was also to put and keep the tenements in sufficient repair, with 

I other usual covenants. 

It was further ordered, that the Mayor of Stamford for the time 
being should get iu the reserved rents from the tenants who should 
hold over after their leases had expired, or from any who should be 
in arrear; and that the clear net produce of the rents and profits of. 
the charity estate, after deducting the annual sura of £3. for the 



CHARITIES. 

repairs of the school and schoolmaster's house, should be paid to 
the schoolmaster for the time being. Directions were also given for 
insuring the school and the master's house for the period of 21 
years (such insurance to be paid out of the estate), and for the 
application of £122. 8. 8., or so much thereof as should be necessary 
in putting the school-house in sufficient repair. 

The term for which the leases were to be granted is not specified 
in the decree, although fixed at 21 years by the Master's report, 
dated 27th April, 1756, on which the decree is founded. 

On July 12th, 1828, a petition was presented to the Court, in the 
matter of the said school, by the Mayor and one of the Aldermen 
and Capital Burgesses, praying a reference to the Master to consider 
and approve a proper scheme for the extension and future manage- 
ment of the said school, and for the opplication of the rents and 
profits of the charity estates, and also for the application of a part 
of the funds of the said charity to the teaching of English reading^ 
winning, and arithmetic, and that it might be declared that the 
Mayor for the time being was the sole trustee of the said charity 
estates ; also to consider a proper plan or scheme for letting the 
said estates, and providing for repairs, and for collecting the rents 
and profits thereof ; and that in case, under the circumstances, it 
should be considered as just that an extension of the term, in the 
petition mentioned should be granted to Francis Jelley (one of the 
lessees, on the ground of his having expended money on the 
premises), that an additional term should be granted to him accord- 
ingly ; that an inquiry should be instituted concerning certain 
contracts with other tenants of part of the charity estate which 
were not performed ; and lastly, that new trustees should be .ap- 
pointed of part of the property. 

The petition was dismissed, with costs, upon all points, the 
Court expressing its opinion that the school was a grammar-school, 
and that the proper conduct thereof rested solely with the'master of 
St. John's, who was to prescribe the course of instruction to be 
adopted. 

The school-house, or residence of the master, has been conveyed 
from time to time to new trustees, and, by indenture of feoff"ment, 
dated 1st October, 1833, became vested in Sir John Trollope, bart., 
Brownlow Marquis of Exeter, George Finch, John Roden, Thomas 
Tryon, John Muxloe Wingfield, Michael Pierrepoint, John Jackson 
Serecold, and Charles Arnold, upon the trusts of the deed of 1608. 

The present extent, condition, and income of the property will 
appear from the subjoined rental: — 



CHABITIES. 7 \ 



Description of Property* Tenant. Bent. Term. \ 

£. s. d. I 

A house in St. Michael's 5 

parish, and land in New > 

Close Field, Stamford, Thomas Pilkinton 35 21 years from I 

containing six acres April 5, 1820 i 

Barn and cottage, with a i 

yard and garden in \ 

Scotgate. Boughton Hodges 13 .. 5 

Warehouses, and other > 

buildings and premises, i 

in St. Michael's parish. WiUiam Hunt 26 . . I 

House in St. Michael's ^ > 

parish. Samuel Gilbert 20 . . > 

A house, now divided into > 

' two tenements, in the i 

parish of St. George. Marquis of Exeter 9 IQ .. I 

A house, with a yard and ^ 

buildings, in St. Mi- j 

chael's parish. Francis JeUey 35 . . ^ 

A messuage, with yard, I 

bioildings, and appur- ^ 
tenances, in the parish 

of St. Michael. Marquis of Exeter 40 

Ditto,with appurtenances "William Spencer 34 

Messuage in St. George's 

. parish, with the appur- 

.tenances. Marquis of Exeter 19 

Ditto O. B. Saile 23 5 21 years from i 

Julys, 1823 I 

A large yard opposite the ; 

Half Moon Inn, in the ^ 

parish of St. George, S 

with stables and out- Marquis of Exeter 37 21 years from ^ 

houses. April5,1830 <^ 

House in St. Michael's 5 

parish. William Spencer 25 , . > 

Eight small houses in St. ^ 

Michael's parish. William Eingham 27 . . ^ 

Excellent house and pre- > 

mises in St. Michael, i 

with a printing-office I 

and yard. Samuel Wilson 70 . . I 



8 CHARITIES. 

Description of Property. Tenant. Eent. Term. 

£. s, d. 
Another house and pre- 
mises in St. Michael's 

parish. Rich. Newcomb 31 

Ditto JamesTorkington 31 

House in St. Michael's 

parish. Thomas Eaymond 25 

A house and premises in 21 years from 

St. Michael's parish. Marquis of Exeter 22 April5,1830 
Land in the fields of Stam- 
ford, nine acres. Joseph Phillips 13 15 
A house in High-street. Matthew Eooe 15 Yearly tenant 
A messuage in St, Mi- Under agree- 
chael's parish. "William Spencer 8 8 ment from 

August 17, 
1833 to April 
5, 1851. 



£578 18 



The school, from its foundation to the present period, has always 
been held in the old church of Saint Paul's, Stamford. The appli- 
cation of the church to this purpose most probably took its rise from 
an Act passed in the first year of Edward VI., by which various 
parishes in Stamford were united, and a power was given to the 
Alderman and two Justices of the Peace for the county to pull down 
any churches which they might deem superfluous. 

The school-buildings now consist of two commodious-sized 
rooms under the same roof, and opening into each other. A walled-in 
play-ground is attached. One of these rooms formed the old 
school ; the other was newly erected in the year 1833-4, the expense, 
amounting to £522. 2. 2., having been defrayed in the following 
manner :— 

Upon the death of the late master, in the end of the year 1832, 
a difference arose upon the construction of the last clause in the 
statute of Edward VI., (which is fully set out in the third paragraph 
of this Report), between the Mayor (John Roden, Esq.) and the 
Master of Saint John's (Dr. Wood), as to the right of patronage in 
nominating a successor. To meet the expenses of this contest, a 
private subscription was raised, and the residue of the money so 
collected, amounting to £148. 19. 6., was, at the suggestion of the 
Mayor, applied to the purpose above-mentioned. The difference 
was entirely defrayed at the private expense of Mr. Gretton, who 
succeeded to the oflice of head master. 



CHABITIES. 



The premises conveyed to the use of the schoolmaster, by the 
deed of 1608, are now used as his residence. They consist of a 
good house in Saint Paul's-street, with a small garden attached. 
The present master has made extensive alterations and additions 
to the building, the cost of which, altogether, amounted to 
£1,520. 15. 1|. On entering into his office, he received £118 
dilapidation-money from his predecessor under an award ; but the 
whole amount just mentioned was discharged at his own private 
expense. 

The ground intermediate between the master's premises and those 
attached to the school-rooms is the property of Lord Exeter, and is 
rented by the Master at £35. per annum, of which £15. is paid in 
consideration of some stables and other conveniences having been 
erected. The situation of this ground, in cutting off the communi- 
cation between the house and the school-room, renders it almost in- 
dispensably necessary to the master. 

Eules have been made from time to time, for the government of 
the school, by the successive masters of Saint John's. Those now 
in force were made in 1833, by Dr. Wood, the present master of that 
college. They are in effect as follows : — 

That no boy be admitted under 8, nor above 12 years of age, unless 
for special reasons to be allowed by the schoolmaster; that before 
admission, he be able to read well, to write a legible hand, to repeat 
perfectly by heart the Lord's Prayer, the Apostles' Creed, and the 
Ten Commandments, according to the Eubric, and be, in the master's 
judgment, in all respects qualified to enter upon the Latin Grammar; 
also to understand the four first single rules of Arithmetic. 

That, after proof of such qualification, he be admitted on the en- 
suing quarter-day, or the re-opening of the school after the Mid- 
summer or Christmas holidays, as the case may require. 

That a register-book be kept by the master, in which the name, 
age, and date of admission, of each boy shall be entered, as well as 
certain other particulars mentioned in the second rule, and also such 
general observations upon each boy's conduct in the school as may 
appear to him to be proper, and all serious delinquencies and punish- 
ments ; and lastly, these and all subsequent rules and orders ; and 
that every register-book shall go to, and be kept in, the custody of 
the schoolmaster for the time being, and shall be open at all season- 
able times to the perusal of the mayor. 

That no boy shall remain as a free scholar after he is 15, except 
the six head boys for the time being, who may remain to be fully 
prepared for matriculation in the university of Oxford or Cambridge. 

That each scholar shall furnish for himself all such grammars and 
other school-books as the master may from time to time direct. 

That the master may receive into his dwelling-house any number 
of boarders to be educated in the school, and that no distinction 



V 



10 CHARITIES. 



; whatever shall be made between any of the scholars in regard to 

I education or discipline, 

c That the course of instruction shall be similar to that pursued in 

V the best grammar-schools in England; and that, besides the usual ^ 

\ classical instruction, the master shall take care that the scholars be < 

\ exercised in writing, and instructed in the principles of common \ 

I arithmetic, vulgar and decimal fractions, and the elements of algebra > 

< and geometry, as preparatory to admission in either of the uni- ? 

< versities. ^ 
I That a general examination by the master shall take place at the ^ 
\ commencement of each half-year, -when the master shall class and ^ 

< place each boy -where he is to remain until the succeeding exami- s 

< nation. I 
) That the master shall have the power to maintain the discipline ^ 
: of the school by admonition, punishment, and expulsion ; and that ] 

he be responsible for the conduct of all under-masters and assistants, I 

■who are entirely under his direction. ] 

These rules recommend also strongly, though they do not abso- > 

I lutely ordain, that application for admission into the school shall in \ 

^ the first instance be made to the mayor ; who, after satisfying him- \ 

^ self that the boy on whose behalf the application is made is eligible, ] 

\ shall certify the same to the schoolmaster, subject to his examina- ^ 

\ tion and admission. \ 

' Also that each candidate attending the master to be examined for \ 

; admission shall produce and leave with the master, to be entered in > 

[ the register-book, the names and condition of his parents, certificates \ 

\ of their marriage and of the candidate's baptism, and a specification, J 

\ in writing, of the tuition under which he had previously been. \ 

\ The present master, the Eev. Frederick Gretton, was appointed \ 

I in September, 1833, with the joint concurrence of the mayor and the \ 

\ master of St. John's. Besides the use of the house above mentioned, > 

I he receives as his salary the whole income derived from the pro- > 

c perty, amounting to £578. 18. per annum. Out of this the following ^ 

< payments are made by him : — \ 
\ £. s. d. \ 
] Salary to second master 100 S 

> Board of ditto, estimated at 68 ^ 

\ Salary to writing master 60 \ 

l Rates and taxes 32 17 3 \ 

< B-epairs for school-room 5 \ 

I Ditto for his own residence 15 X 

] Collecting rents 10 \ 

\ £290 17 3 

> Thus reducing his net receipts to £288. 0. 9. \ 



CHARITIES. 11 



The only other emolument derived by bis connexion with the 
charity arises from receiving a certain number of boys as private 
boarders. 

The second master is nominated by the head master. He re- 
ceives the salary above specified, and boards in the master's house. 

The writing master, in respect of the salary of £60., instructs the 
free boys in reading, writing, and arithmetic. He receives in ad- 
dition two guineas per head from each boarder. 

All boys, whose parents inhabit the town of Stamford, and other 
towns adjoining within a circle of two miles, are eligible for ad- 
mission into the school, if qualified as required by the orders. 

The number at the time of the Inquiry was 75. Of these 35 were 
free scholars, the remaining 40 being boarders. The former provide 
themselves with books, which is the sole expense incurred by 
them. Objections were made that this expense was often un- 
necessarily great. 

Complaints were also advanced that a difference was made 
between the free scholars and boarders unfavourable to the former. 

The following are the names of the Masters of the above School, 
and the dates of their appointment: — "Wm. Haines, 1723; John 
Clendon, 1730; Farrtngdon Eeid, 1731; Henry Knapp, 1771; Hd. 
Atlay, 1781 ; Fred.E. Gretton, 1833. 

In 1838, there were 84 free scholars ; in 1842 only 25.' 

Snmcden's Hospital.— Richard Snowden, by Will, dated 20th May, 
1604, and proved at Lincoln, devised all his lands, messuages, and 
tenements to seven poor widows, of 60 years of age, to be taken out 
of Stamford by the Alderman of the time being, and to have each 
7d. a-week. 

By indenture, dated 28th October, 1612, and made between Mar- 
garet Humfrey and six others, being seven poor widows of Stamford, 
and every of them of the age of three score years and upwards, of 
the one part, and the Alderman and Burgesses of the same town, of 
the other part, reciting the said "Will, and that the Alderman had 
appointed the said widows to receive and take the lands, messuages, 
and premises thereby devised, according to the true intent thereof, 
it was witnessed that the said seven widows demised to the said 
Alderman and Burgesses a messuage, with the appurtenances, in 
the parish of St. John's ; a tenement, with the appurtenances, in 
the said parish ; a tenement, with the appurtenances, in the parish 
of Saint Clement's ; 11 acres of arable lands in Ketton Dale, Stam- 
ford; and a close of pasture, called Pottar's Close, in Stamford; all 
which were the premises of the said Eichard Snowden at the time 
of his death, and devised to the said widows, to hold for 21 years 
from 23d October then last past, paying during the said term to the 
said seven widows and their successors 7d. weekly at the Mansion 
House. 



12 



CHARITIES. 



> This property still consists of four houses and half an acre of 

> garden (called Pottar's Close in the above deed), and 11 acres of 

> land in the open fields of Stamford, the present rental of which is 
( given below. 

< The charity has subsequently beeh augmented by the following 

> donations : — 

^ Mary Torkington, by Will, dated 10th January, 1763, gave to the 

> Mayor and Corporation of Stamford and their successors £10., on 
I trust to apply the interest thereof for the benefit of the poor in- 
l mates of this hospital. 

I The Corporation have always paid in respect of the above, which 

\ is still in their hands, an interest of 10s. 

I Kebecca Chamberlain, by Will, dated 1796, gave to the Mayor 

> and Aldermen of Stamford £200., upon trust to bestow a fourth of 
^ the yearly interest thereof upon the inmates of this hospital. 

\ In respect of the above, £400. Three per Cent. Consols is standing 

1 in the name of the Mayor of Stamford, who annually distributes 

> among the inmates Iheir share of £3. 

2 John Warrington, by Will, dated 23d May, 1806, and proved in 
I the Prerogative Court of Canterbury, gave to his trustees therein 
\ named £1800. Three per Cent. Consols, upon trust, among other 
^ payments, to give £16. yearly out of the interest thereof to the 

< trustees of Snowden's Hospital ; with a proviso that a tablet, com- 
)> memorative of the various trusts of the said stock, should be pro- 
? vided out of the earliest dividends, and placed in All Saints' church, 
i Stamford ; and that when either of the said trustees should die or 

< decline to act, the survivors should transfer the said stock to one or 
s more new trustees, and that whenever the number of trustees should 
I be reduced to two, the survivors should, in like manner, transfer 

the stock to one or more others. 

The tablet was put up in All Saints' church as directed in the 
Will, and in 1827 a claim was made by Government for the legacy 
duty ; after paying Avhich, and considerable law expenses incurred 
in contesting the claim, the charity stock was reduced to 
£1612, 14., which is now standing in the names of Thomas Mills, 
Matthew Eooe, and Francis Jelley. Owing to this reduction of the 
principal stock, the dividends apportioned to the three undermen- 
tioned hospitals have been reduced as follows : — 

£. s. d. 

To Snowden's Hospital, from £16. to 13 6 8 

To All Saints' Calais ditto, from £24. to. . . . 20 
To Williamson's ditto, from £14. to 11 13 4 



Makinginall £45 ^ 

And leaving a balance of £3. 7. 6., which is retained evei-y year to ; 
meet the expenses of any transfers that may occur. I ■ 

\ 



CHABITIES. 13 



Henry Fryer, by Will, dated 20th January, 1822, and proved in ) 

the Prerogative Court of Canterbury, gave to the incumbents of the ] 

several parishes in Stamford £6400. for charitable purposes, of 5 

which they and their successors were to be the trustees, and which ^ 

they were to invest in some public stocks, and pay the interest of I 

£1000. thereof to the trustees of Snowdeu's Hospital. > 

The gross sum was laid out in the purchase of £6086 5. 2. Three > 

and a-half per Cents. Eeduced; and £33. 2. 1., the dividends arising > 

from £946. 3. 9., the share of stock apportioned to this hospital, is I 

distributed by weekly payments among its inmates. ] 

The stock is now standing in the names of the Eevs. Thomas ] 

B,oberts, Charles Swan, Dennis Jones, Charles Atlay, and Charles > 

Porter. j 

The charity has also £50. in the Stamford Savings' Bank, which I 

arose from accumulations at different times, and produces an in- \ 

terest of £1. 14. 4^. j 

The hospital is situate in Scotgate, adjoining Truesdale's Hospital ] 

hereafter reported. In 1822-3 it was completely rebuilt at a cost of I 

about £450., which sum was borrowed at the time, and repaid by \ 

instalments, the whole of the rents of the houses and land having > 

been devoted annually to that purpose. In 1830 the charity was ^ 

completely clear of the debt. \ 

The building consists of eight rooms, each of which is occupied \ 

by a widow, qualified as required in the Will, and hitherto nomi- > 

nated by the Mayor. Each inmate has also a small garden. They > 

receive 5s. each weekly out of the rents of the charity estates, 1 

together with Fryer's money; Warrington's £13. 6. 8., and Eebecca ^ 

Chamberlain's £3. are divided half-yearly between them as the \ 

dividends become due, and Mary Torkington's 10s. on Saint ] 

Thomas's-day. ] 

The income and expenditure of the year ending 1836 were as > 

follows :— > 

INCOME. \ 

Premises. Tenant. Term. Bent. \ 

£. s. d. \ 

A house in St. Mary's- 14 years from ^ 

street, Stamford .... William Dawson, . Mich. 1830. 34 > 

Stamford Arms public- 5 

house John Dickinson Ditto ....... .34 00 \ 

House in St. John's-st. James Young 21 > 

House in Castle-street Lord Exeter. .. . Ditto 12 > 

11 acres of ground in the ] 

openfields of Stamford Ditto Ditto .... 9 00 \ 

Half an acre of garden Executors of 21 years from > 

ground in Stamford.. White.. Mich. 1817 4 ) 



14 



CHARITIES. 



£. S. d. 

Yearly interest of Mary Torkington's Gil't 10 

Ditto Eebecca Chamberlain's Gift 3 
Ditto John Warrington's Gift ... .13 68 
Ditto Henry Fryer's Gift 33 2 1 

Interest on £50. accumulations 1 14 4h 



EXPENDITURE, 

£. s. d. 

Eight widows, at 5s. each weekly .... 104 

Half-yearly distributions among ditto., 16 6 8 

On Saint Thomas's-day 10 

Collecting rents 2 2 

Insurance, land-tax, and stamps 1 16 11 

New furniture 2 8 

9 8 



£165 13 lA 



£136 11 7 
Balance in favour of the charity . . 29 1 6^ 
All Saints' Callis Hospital. — The origin of this hospital is alto- 
gether unknown, but the following are recorded as its later bene- 
factors : — 

John Wyldbore, in 1674, gave £10. to the Corporation of Stamford, 
in trust, to pay the interest thereof to the poor of All Saints' Callis. 

—William Chamberlain, by Will, dated — 1702, gave £20. to 

the Corporation for the same purpose. — John Palmer, by Will, 

dated 1707, gave £30.— Mary Torkington, by Will, dated 

10th January, 1763, £20.— All these sums are in the hands of the 
Corporation, who pay interest at the rate of £5. per cent, on each. — 
John Warrington (see Snowden's Hospital) directed his trustees to 
pay £24. annually to the poor of this hospital. — This sum is now, 
for the reasons mentioned in the above quoted Report, reduced to 
£20. — Henry Fryer (see Snowden's Hospital) gave £1000. for the 
same purpose, which was laid out in the purchase of £946. 3. 9. 
Three and a-half per Cents. Reduced, and produces in dividends 
£33.2.1. 
The income of this charity accordingly is as follows : — 

£.s. d. 

Interest on Wyldbore's Gift 10 

W. Chamberlain's ditto .... 1 

John Palmer's ditto 1 10 

Mary Torkington's ditto .... 1 
Rebecca Chamberlain's ditto 3 

Warrington's ditto 20 

Fryer's ditto 33 2 1 

£60 2 1 



CHARITIES. 15 



The hospital is a decayed old building at the corner of the Sheep \ 

Market, and in wretched repair. It contains seven rooms, which > 

are occupied by a like number of poor women, the youngest of > 

whom is upwards of 70, — They receive Is. 9d. each weekly in re- ;^ 

spect of Fryer's legacy. — Wyldbore's 10s. is divided between them > 

at Midsummer; Palmer's £1. 10s., Chamberlain's £1., and Torking- > . 

ton's £1., on Saint Thomas's-day, andEebecca Chamberlain's £3., ^ 

and "Warrington's £20., half-yearly, when the dividends become due. ^ 

Many of the inmates are in receipt of parish relief. They are all \ 

widows, and have been hitherto appointed by the Mayor. Such re- > 

pairs as are absolutely necessary they are obliged to make out of ^ 

their allowances, but the building is in such a dilapidated state that ^ 

it is scarcely fit for habitation. > 

Saint Peter^s Hill, or Hopkins's Hospital. — This hospital was ^ 

founded by subscription in 1770, during the mayoralty of John Hop- j 

kins, from whom it takes its name. ^ 

The Corporation gave the site, and, in 1772, Catherine Gibson > 

added £200,, which was at first invested in the Three per Cents., i 

but is now secured on the taxes levied under the authority of the \ 

10th George III for draining the fen lands between Boston, Haven, > 

and Bourn, the shares having been assigned to the Mayor and his ^ 

successors, on the 13th June 1813, in trust for the establishment of ^ 

the said hospital. — The charity was further augmented in 1796, by > 

£50,, left by Eebecca Chamberlain (see Snowden's Hospital), which > 

was laid out in the purchase of £100. Three per Cent. Consols. — And ^ 

by £1,000., left by Henry Fryer in 1822, now £946. 3. 9. Three and I 

a-half per Cents. (See Snowden's Hospital.) ^ 

The members for the borough have long been in the habit of add- ? 

ing a yearly subscription of £5. 5. each, making the income of the i 

charity as follows : — i 

£. s. d. \ 

Interest of Catherine Gibson's £200 9 > 

Ditto of Eebecca Chamberlain's stock.... 3 00 ^ 

Ditto of Henry Fryer's 33 2 1 { 

Members' subscriptions 10 10 ^ 

£55 12 1 \ 

The hospital is situated on the site of Saint Peter's-gate on the J 

Uppingham road. It is a stone building of two stories, and con- \ 

tains eight rooms, which are kept in repair by the almspeople \ 

themselves. \ 

The Mayor has hitherto had the management of the charity, and \ 

has appointed the objects, who have always been poor married \ 

couples belonging to Stamford. Upon the death of either of them I 

the same allowance is continued to the survivor for his or her life. > 

At the time of the Inquiry there were four widowers, three widows, ^ 

and one married couple. 5 



16 CHARITIES. 



> Each of the inmates (considering* the married couple as one) re- 
5 ceive 2s. 6^d. weekly, and Eebecca Chamberlain's £3. is half-yearly 

> divided between the eight. 

I These constitute the whole expenditure of the charity, with the 

\ exception" of 4s. annually for insurance. 

> The inmates are frequently in the receipt of parish relief. 

\ Gewge Trigge's Charity. ^Geor^Q Trig-ge, by Will, dated 24th 

\ November, 1586, and proved in the Prerogative Court of Canterbury, 

\ gave to the AJdermen and Burgesses of Stamford £400., on trust, to 

\ supply therewith the wants of the poorest sort of mercers, drapers, 

> haberdashers, joiners, shoemakers, glovers, and other handicraft 
^ men in Stamford, by lending it unto 20 or 40 of them by equal por- 

> tions, i. e., " to every of the same 20 or 40 the sum of £5. or £10., 

> some more and some less, so that no man have above £20.," for such 
; time as the said Aldermen and Corporation should think fit, and to 
< take sufficient sureties of the persons to whom such loan should be 

> made for its repayment, without interest, at such times as they 
] should appoint. 

) This money has been for many years lent, and is still lent out, in 
sums of £20., £15., and £10., which are repaid by annual instal- 
ments of £2., a fine of 2d. in the pound being enforced against all 
defaulters. The yearly average of this twopenny money, as it is 
called, during the last seven years, has been £2. 8. 7., of which 
£1. 1. has always gone to the Town-serjeant, who is collector, and 
the remainder to the Town-clerk. 

The Corporation paid ofl", by degrees, out of the interest arising 
from part of Truesdale's exhibition money (hereafter mentioned), 
the losses which this charity from time to time sustained from the 
insolvency of the parties borrowing, and of their sureties. 

At the last audit, £382. was out on securities, leaving a balance 
of £18. in the hands of the Town-serjeant, who, in consideration of 
keeping the accounts and other trouble connected with this and the 
following charity, has for many years been allowed to hold the 
balances of both, without any payment of interest. 

The expenses attending the loan are 9s. 

Apprenticing Charities. — Earl of Exeter's Charity. — Thomas Earl c 

of Exeter, by deed, dated 14th February, 1609, granted to the then < 

Alderman and Burgesses of Stamford an annuity of £41. 1. 8d., \ 

issuing out of the manors of East and West Deeping, in trust, to ? 

employ the same for the help, education, and bringing up of the < 

poorest children born in Stamford, by providing that they should be ^ 

nursed, brought up, and put out apprentices to some good occu- \ 

pation; with a proviso that not more than £5. should be given with < 

any one child. < 

The remainder of this annuity, after deductions of £6. for land- < 



CHABITIES. 17 



tax, 7s. 6d. for steward's fees, and 9s. for stamps, is regxilarly re- I 

ceived from the lessees of the Crown, the King being lord of the \ 

manors thus charged. > 

Keishfs Gift.— Jane Keisly, by Will, dated 4th September, 1604, > 

and proved at Lincoln, gave £8. > 

RastalVs Gift.— Henry Kastall, by Will, dated 1651, gave £20. to ^ 

the Corporation of Stamford, on trust, to distribute the interest > 

thereof among the poor at their discretion. I 

The two last-mentioned gifts of £8. and £20. are in the hands of ^ 

the Corporation, who pay interest on them at the rate of £5. per ^ 

cent., amounting annually to £1. 8., which sum is added to Lord > 

Exeter's rent-charge above-mentioned, and applied towards ap- I 

prenticingpoor boys of Stamford. I 

Expenditure for 1846, being the year preceding the Inquiry. — ^ 

A year and a-half 's land-tax, payable out £. s. d. \ 

of Lord Exeter's annuity 9 00 > 

Steward's fees for a year and a-half 7 6 > 

Stamps 9 [ 

Eight apprentices, at £5. each 40 $« 

£49 16 6 > 

There is in hand a balance of £55. 1.6., which has accumulated ^ 

from former years. > 

Coal Charities. — Charities of Manners, Curtis, and King. — The > 

Parliamentary Eeturns state that Roger Manners, who died in 1627, I 

gave, by Will, to the poor of Stamford £20., the interest thereof to > 

be laid out yearly in coals amongst such poor persons as the Alder- ? 

man, from time to time, should think, fit. > 

Edward Curtis, by Will, dated 1693, gave £20. ' ^ 

Sarah King, in her lifetime, gave £10. for a like purpose. > 

These principal sums are in the hands of the Corporation, who > 

pay interest on them at the rate of £5. per cent, ^ 

The Mayors have invariably selected widows as the objects of ) 

these charities, to each of whom they give orders upon a coal mer- I 

chant for a strike of coals. ^ 

Bread Charities.— Achani's and others^ Charities.— £5. is annually \ 

received by the Mayor, for distribution in bread among the poor of I 

Stamford, from the agent of Sigismond Traflford Southwell, Esq., of > 

Wrexham Hall, Norfolk, the owner of the manor of Asterby, near '> 

Homcastle, and lands in Asterby, Goulceby, Eauby, and Stanycott, > 

in this county, charged for that purpose, under the Will of Antony > 

Acham, dated 27th June, 1638. i 

The Parliamentary Eeturns states that William Bevil, by Will, c 

dated 1638, gave to the use of the poor of Stamford £80., the interest ^ 

thereof to be given among them at the discretion of the Alderman. ^ 

Eichard Warwick gave, by Will, £30. to the Corporation, on trust, > 

to distribute the interest in bread among the poor. e 



18 CHARITIES. 



The two last-mentioned sums of £80. and £30, are in the hands 
of the Corporation, who pay interest upon them at the rate of five 
per cent.; and Mr. Davis, a baker, receives annually, in respect of 
the above three charities, £10. 8., which he distributes in twopenny 
loaves every week to 24 poor widows, selected by the Mayor. 

David Earl of Exeter's Charity. — The five parishes of Stamford 
are entitled to share with the parish of Saint Martin's, Stamford 
Baron, in the proceeds of this charity, which amount to £5. 

The proportions in which this sum is to be divided are left to the 
discretion of the heirs of the donor. The invariable custom, how- 
ever, has been for the Corporation, who hold the principal, to divide 
the interest in equal sums of 16s. 8d. to each of the six parishes, 
and remit the same to their respective churchwardens, by whom 
they are distributed monthly among the poor in bread. 

Thomas TruesdaWs Gift. — Thomas Truesdale, by "Will, dated 
20th October, 1700, (amongst other bequests,) bequeathed £100. to 
be distributed amongst the poor of Stamford at his funeral. 

His executors having refused to pay this legacy, the Corporation 
filed a bill in Chancery against them ; upon which they distributed 
£30. amongst the poor, and subsequently paid to the Corporation 
the remaining £70., out of which the law and other expenses, 
amounting to £20., were deducted. 

The £50. remained in the hands of the Corporation, who paid five 
per cent, interest on it, part of which they applied at different 
periods towards the maintenance, at the University of Cambridge, 
of some freeman's son, who had been educated at the Stamford Free 
School ; and several persons who had been so educated received, 
during their collegiate course, portions of such interest, in sums 
varying at the pleasure of the Corporation. 

The last of such payments was one of £20. made to Thomas 
Stevenson in August, 1824. 

The whole sum which still remained in the hands of the Cor- 
poration was stated to be £150., although it did not appear how so 
large an amount was realised. 

The Corporation applied the sum of £30. belonging to this gift in 
making up losses sustained by Geo. Trigg's and "Weaver's Charities. 

Since 1832 the Corporation has ceased to pay interest on the £90. 

The propriety of an immediate investment of both principal and 
the accumulations in the public funds was suggested; as also a 
distribution of the dividends for the future in coal, bread, or other 
necessaries. 

Francis Trigg's G'^/if.— Francis Trigg, by deed, dated 10th Sep- 
tember, 37 Elizabeth, covenanted with Peter Routh and two others, 
and their heirs, to levy a fine and suffer a recovery of 6 messuages, 
4 tofts, 10 gardens, and 30 acres in Stamford, and 1 messuage, 2 
gardens, and 80 acres in Maxey and Nauton, in the county of Nor- 



CHARITIES. 19 



thampton, to the use of himself in tail, with remainder in fee to the i 

several persons therein named, charged, nevertheless, with the \ 

yearly purchase of £4. worth of " good, sweet, and clean-dressed < 

barley," to be purchased with the consent of the Alderman of Stam- i 

ford and the Warden of Browne's Almshouse for the time being, in / 

the Stamford market, between the 25th of December and 1st of < 

November ; which barley was to be kept in a room in a house \ 

"over against the market cross," reserved for that purpose in a S 

lease thereof made by the said Francis Trigg, and distributed yearly ( 

"on the Tuesday in the first week in Lent, and the Tuesday in the ^ 

week next before the feast of Easter," with the " privity and over- i 

sight" of the said Alderman and "Warden, among such and so many ( 

of the poorest and neediest householders and widows in Stamford, I 

*' having charge of children," or otherwise, as by the said Alderman S 

and "Warden should be thought most needful, so that at each dis- I 

tribution no one, "without charge," should have more than one [ 

peck, and with charge two pecks. ( 

By indenture, dated 16th September, 1654, between Eichard < 

Bumby and "William Bumby of the one part, and Eichard Goodman ^ 

of the other part, reciting the said deed of the 3Tth Elizabeth, and i 

that the said Eichard and "William Burnby had, by deed of feoff- < 

ment, dated 5th September then instant, enfeoffed the said Eichard [ 

Croodman, and his heirs, of a messuage, with the appurtenances, in < 

the parish of Saint Michael's, in Stamford, called the Nag's Head, ( 

a bam and barn-yard, with the appurtenances, in the same parish, ( 

and 104 acres of arable land; and that the said Eichard Goodman, > 

by a " statute" or recognizance, dated the 6th September instant, i 

before the then Alderman of the borough and Clerk of the statute, I 

stood bound unto the said Eichard and William Burnby in the sum ] 

of £200., payable on the feast day of St. Matthew then next en- \ 

suing; it was witnessed that the said Eichard Burnby and William > 

Bumby did thereby, for themselves, their heirs, executors, and ad- < 

ministrators, covenant and agree with the said Eichard Goodman, I 

his heirs, executors, and administrators, that if he, his heirs and < 

assigns, should yearly, between the feast of All Saints and the birth (. 

of our Saviour, lay out the sum of £4. in the purchase of sweet and ^ 

clean-dressed barley, at the then current price of bai'ley in Stamford > 

market, and lay and preserve the same in the chamber or room ap- ( 

pointed for that purpose, and permit the said Eichard and William \ 

Burnby to enter into the said chamber and distribute the said bar- ^ 

ley yearly, at the times and in the manner appointed by the said I 

Francis Trigg, that then the said statute should be void. > 

The premises specified in the last deed (with the exception of the < 

10 acres, of which all trace is lost) are now the property of Mr. [ 

Charles Lowe, by whom they were purchased in 1819 for £3000. J 

The barley has long ceased to be bought ; and at this distance of < 



General Charities not v/nder the Management of the NeW Trustees, 

Browne's Hospital. — The earliest document relating to this 
charity is letters patent of Richard III., empowering William 
Browne and his executors to establish as an almshouse a chapel 
and other buildings which he had erected in Stamford, and to en- 
dow the same as an almshouse with estates not exceeding the 
annual value of 50 marks. It appears, however, that he died before 
this was effected, as did also his wife, whom he had appointed his 
sole executrix. Accordingly her brother, Thomas Stoke, although 
he had renounced his executorship under her Will, obtained fresh 
letters patent from Henry VII., dated 28th November, 1493, for the 
establishment of the charity; and, in pursuance thereof, as is 



20 CHAEITIES. 



time it is impossible to ascertain the house in the chamber of which > 

it was directed to be kept. l 

The £4. is regularly received by the Mayor, and distributed by I 

him, without the co-operation of the Warden of Browne's Hospital, S 

in bread at Christmas among the poor of Stamford generally. > 

This charity will in future be distributed by the new trustees. ^ 

Weaver's Charity. — John Weaver, of North Luflfenham, Esq., one \ 

of the Representatives in Parliament of Stamford borough in the > 

years 1654, 1656, and 1659, gave in the year 1655, one hundred > 

pounds, to be lent without interest, to twenty poor tradesmen^ ^ 

artificers, and freemen of the Corporation of Stamford, viz., to ten \ 

£6. 13. 4. each, and to other ten £3. 6. 8. each. ^ 

The Corporation found it desirable to raise the amount of the ^ 

loans, and latterly the sum granted has been almost invariably £10. > 

The Trustees audit the accounts every Easter Monday. \ 

Thomas CeciVs Charity. — In the 10th of King James, Thomas \ 

Cecil Earl of Exeter, made an agreement with Robert Scott, the j 

Master, Fellows, and Scholars of Clare-hall, in the University of > 

Cambridge, touching the choice and election of three Fellows and > 

six Scholars there, to be called the Earl of Exeter's Fellows and ^ 

Scholars, and two other Scholars there, to be called the Lady Dorothy ^ 

Countess of Exeter's Scholars, all of the said Earl's foundation; in ^ 

the choice of which Scholars, preference to be always had of such \ 

youths, cceteris paribus, of the said University, as have been edu- s 

cated in the Free School at Stamford, in consideration of an annuity > 

of £108. This has not been claimed for many years. <. 

Mr. Truesdale also gave a donation of £50. for free-born Scholars > 

belonging to the Free School, going directly from thence to the ] 

University.— (See Truesdale's Gift.) \ 



CHARITIES. 21 



evideuced by a memorandum endorsed on the last-mentioned patent, 
and dated the 5th of February in the same year, granted to the then 
Warden and Confrater the manors of Swayfield and North Witham, 
with the appurtenances, and other lands and tenements, to the 
value of £30. per annum. 

It is unnecessary to make any further reference to either of these 
patents, inasmuch as the first was superseded by the second, and 
the second (in consequence of frequent doubts being raised as to its 
validity) by the folloT\'ing one of James I., dated 4th May, 1610, by 
which the charity was entirely re-founded. By the one last named 
the King granted that the above-mentioned chapel and buildings, 
then called the Almshouse of Stamford, should continue for ever an 
hospital of poor persons in Stamford, to consist of one Warden, one 
Confrater, ten poor Men, and two Women, and be called thence- 
forth "the Hospital of William Browne, of Stamford, of the foun- 
dation of James, King of England;" and that the said Warden, 
Confrater, and poor persons, and their successors, should be thence- 
forth, for ever, one body corporate and politic, to have perpetual 
succession, and to be able at all future times to acquire and hold 
lands and other hereditaments, as well of the said King and his suc- 
cessors, as of any other persons whatsoever, for the support of the 
said hospital, and of the said Warden, Confrater, and Poor Persons, 
and with the other usual powers; and that they should have a 
common seal, which they should have power to break, alter, or make 
anew whenever they should think fit: and the said King further 
granted that, in case of a vacancy by the death, resignation, or re- 
moval of any Warden, Confrater, Poor Man, or Woman in the said 
hospital, then a successor should be appointed within 14 days by the 
Dean of Stamford and the Vicar of All Saints', in Stamford, for the 
time being; or if they should fail to make such appointment within 
that time, then by the heir of the said William Browne, the donor ; 
or if the said heir should make similar default, then by the Alder-, 
man of Stamford for the time being ; or if the Alderman should 
make similar default, then by the Bishop of Lincoln for the time 
being; or if the Bishop should make similar default, then succes- 
sively by the Dean of Stamford and Yicar of All Saints', and by the 
others in rotation as before : and the said King further granted that 
all the laws and ordinances theretofore made by the said Thomas 
Stoke should remain in full force, and he thereby confirmed and 
ratified them : and that the Bishop of Lincoln for the time heing^ 
with the consent of the Archbishoj) of Canterbury for the time being, 
should, from time to time, revise the laws and ordinances of the said 
hospital, and make such alterations or such neio ones in writi7ig as 
he should think fit, as ivell concerning the Divine service to be cele- 
brated in the said hospital as concerning the government of the said 
Warden^ Confrater, and Poor : and the said King granted to the 



22 CHARITIES. 

■Warden, Confrater, and Poor of the said hospital, whom he thereby 
nominated and appointed, and their successors, all the lands, tene- 
ments, and hereditaments at any time theretofore pertaining to, or 
enjoyed by, the said almshouse, and all rights and privileges there- 
tofore exercised in respect of it. 

The conveyance from Thomas Stoke, referred to in the endorse- 
ment on the patent of Henry VII., is not amongst the muniments of 
the hospital, nor do they contain any ancient terriers or leases 
which throw any light on the description of the estates at any period 
prior to 1711, since which no alterations have occurred, except such 
as have been caused by the inclosures of the respective parishes in 
which those estates were situated. 

The property in the town of Stamford has, of course, been subject 
to continual variations, according as new buildings have been 
erected, or old ones, from time to time, enlarged or pulled down. 
The following exchanges have also been made under the authority 
of the 32d statute, hereafter noticed, the first with Cornwall Tatham, 
by indentures of lease and release, dated 7th and 8th February, 1771, 
whereby the charity acquired nine acres of landinSewstem, county 
of Leicester, in lieu of a messuage and appurtenances in the parish 
of All Saints'; and the second by indentures of lease and release, 
dated 1st and 2d October, 1809, with George Robinson, whereby the 
charity received 5a. 2r. 18p. in the parish of Barnack, county of 
Northampton, in exchange for a newly-built messuage, with the 
appurtenances, on Saint Peter's-hiU. 

In 1737, as appears by indentures of lease and release, dated the 
25th and 26th March in that year, the charity laid out £21. in the 
purchase, from Elizabeth Walburze, of a cellar in the parish of 
Saint Mary, supposed to form part of the Angel Inn : and by deed, 
dated 12th May, 1790, James Bowker and six others, trustees for 
executing an Act of the 16 Geo. HI., entitled " An Act for enlai-ging 
the term and powers of two Acts of the 22 and 29 Geo. II. for re- 
pairing the road from Wansford Bridge, county of Northampton, to 
Stamford, and from Stamford to Bourn," after reciting that the 
Warden, Confrater, and 12 Poor had sold to the Commissioners ap- 
pointed under that Act, two dilapidated houses, and the ground on I 
which they stood, for £200., assigned to the said Warden, Confrater, ' 
and 12 Poor, so much of the tolls arising from the said road as the 
sum of £200. bore in proportion to the whole sum of money then 
charged thereon, with a proviso for making the said deed void on 
payment of the £200., with interest at five per cent., on the 9th of 
September then next. 

The rental of the charity in 1836 was as follows : — 



CHARITIES. 



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CHAKITIES. 31 



The charity is also possessed of about 42 acres of woodland, 22 
acres of which are in Swayiield, and 20 acres in Twyford. They are 
cut every year, the produce of the sale on the average of the last 
seven years being £116. odd. 

It will appear from the above rental that the system of letting 
adopted is by leases for 21 years, renewable every seven, or by leases 
for 99 years, determinable on three lives. Upon the renewal of every 
lease, or addition of a life, the premises are inspected by a surveyor 
employed by the warden, who is paid in proportion to his trouble. 
It will a^go be perceived, by a reference to the 29th statute, that the 
rent reserved in each lease is to be fixed at one-fourth of the full 
yearly value of the estate. Now the whole reserved rents of the 
charity amount, on the average of the last seven years, to £587. 10. 8., 
and the yearly average of fines, during the same period, to £394. 
12. I5., making the present rental of the charity £982. 2. 9J., whereas 
it is estimated that the full yearly value of the lands would be 
£2,350. 2. 8. ; and though all the various outgoings are to be deducted 
from this latter sum, yet the residue would be sufficiently dispro- 
portionate to the actual receipts, to prove the very disadvantageous 
nature of the present system of letting. The expenses of a renewal 
to the tenant are £7. 13. 10., of which £2. 16. 6. goes in payment of 
stamp duties and fees to the hospital, and £4. 17. 4. to the steward 
for drawing and registering the lease. The expenses of a licence to 
assign £4. 13. 8., £2. 15. going in stamps and fees, and £1. 18. 8. to 
the steward. The whole expense incurred by tenants during the 
last seven years, in respect of renewals, has been £616. 18. 4., and in 
respect of licences £115. 2. 8. 

The charity has also £4,900. Three per Cent. Consols, standing 
in the names of the Warden, Confrater, and 12 poor, and producing, 
in yearly dividends, £147. 

Hursfs Atigmentation. — £50. of this stock arose from a gift of 
Thomas Hurst, the then "Warden, in 1787, the interest of which he 
directed to be annually divided among the 12 poor. The remainder 
was derived from occasional accumulations which were from time 
to time invested. The charity also receives £10. annually from the 
Trustees of the Wansford tolls as interest on the £200., secured to 

them by the before-mentioned deed of 1790, and £1. 12. from 

Taylor as interest of £32., lent by a former Warden in 1806. 

Rules and Statutes. — It will be unnecessary to give the statutes 
for the government of this charity, as originally made by Thomas 
Stokke, or amended by successive Bishops of Lincoln, inasmuch as 
they have all been repealed or re-enacted, and the charity is now 
solely governed by those ordained by the Bishop of Lincoln, and 
confirmed by the Archbishop of Canterbury on the 19th March 1828, 
the substance of which is as follows : — \ 

16th.— That the common seal and all documents relating to the > 



32 CHARITIES. 



charity, shall be kept in a common chest, to be placed in a safe place > 

in the almshouse, and to have three keys of different shapes, answer- ] 

ing to the three different locks upon it, one to be kept by the Vicar > 

of All Saints or his deputy, another by the Warden, and the third S 

by one of the discreetest of the Poor men, who shall be approved of > 

by the vicar aforesaid, or his deputy; but that no one of the afore- > 

mentioned parties shall have more than one key at a time in his ] 

possession, and that nothing- shall be sealed with the aforesaid com- > 

mon seal without the concurrence of the respective keepers of the > 

three keys. ^ 

28th. — That no lease, assignment, or other conveyance, shall be ^ 

made of any of the charity premises, without a previous survey of > 

the same by the Dean and Vicar aforesaid, or by one of them, and by ^ 

the Warden or Confrater, who shall call to their assistance, if neces- ^ 

sary, some persons of experience in such matters, and shall inform ■!, 

themselves of the clear yearly value of the same, so that no lease !; 

shall be made without a knowledg-e of the quantity and quality of ? 

the premises, nor without a competent fine. ^ 

29th. — That the yearly rent reserved shall amount to a full fourth < 

part of the value of the estates, and shall be paid half-yearly at ^ 

Michaelmas and Lady-day. > 

32nd — That the hospital premises shall never be alienated, except > 

by way of exchange, and that no exchange shall be made except > 

such as is manifestly to the advantage of the charity, and is sane- > 

tioned by the Bishop, Dean, and Vicar aforesaid; any Warden or I 

Confrater violating this statute to be expelled. ^ 

14th. — That the sacrament shall be administered in the chapel ^ 

l three times every year, and a sermon preached on the 22nd of Sep- > 

^ tember by the Warden or Confrater, in commemoration of the \ 

I founder. I 

^ 33rd.— That at or about the same time the statutes shall be read I 

< by either Warden or Confrater, in presence of the other and the 12 ^ 
^ Poor, and any of the parties absenting themselves, without suflBcient '^ 

< cause, to forfeit a fortnight's pay. ^ 
^ 13th.— That every day in summer at eight, and in winter at nine, > 

< either Warden or Confrater shall read in the chapel the prayers, the j 
\ liturgy, the psalms, and the first and second lessons as appointed in I 
I the Prayer-book, and that all the Poor shall be present unless > 
i hindered by sickness. ^ 

< 26th. — That from 1st April to 1st October, the outer gates of the > 
^ almshouse shall be s\iut every night at 10 o'clock, and from the 1st ^ 
] October to 1st April at eight; the Warden to have custody every ^ 
i night of one of the keys of the said gates, and the Confrater of the > 
S other. > 
> • 17th.— That under the limitations in different statutes expressed, ^ 
} the Warden shall have the government of the house, and of the Con- ^ 



CHARITIES. 33 I 



frater, and of the Poor, and the administration of the rents and 

property of the said house : each "Warden, on his admission, to make 

an exact inventory of all the goods in the said house at the time, 

^ such inventory to be made in the presence of the Yicar of All Saints 

/ or his deputy, and of two of the discreetest of the poor men ; and 

(! that any g-oods purchased by the Warden for the use of the house 

< and paid for out of its income, shall be entered in the inventory at 
^ the ensuing audit, in the presence of the Vicar or his deputy. 

\ 18th. — That the "Warden shall every year, within one month after 

\ Michaelmas, make an account of the receipt and expenditure of the 

< charity before the said Vicar or his deputy and the Confrater, and 
\ two of the most discreet of the Poor men, the said Vicar or deputy 
\ to be chief Auditor, and to be paid for his trouble by the "Warden 
( each year that he should attend five guineas, or as much less as 
s should remain of the funds of this charity after the necessary charges 
^ thereof; and that the "Warden shall, after the close of such audit, in 

< the presence of the Vicar or his deputy, and of the Poor man who 

< has the charge of one of the keys, put into the common chest a 

< writing of his accounts for that year; and that he shall retain in 
^ hand all the money arising from fines or other property belonging 
\ to the charity over and above the charges for the repairs of the 
\ almshouse or other necessaries, giving such bond or other security 
[ for the amount of the balance, which shall from time to time remain 
^ in his hands, as the Bishop of Lincoln shall deem sufficient; and 
( that if the "W^arden shall neglect to pass such accounts within the 

< time appointed, except through some cause allowed by the Dean of 
I Stamford or Vicar aforesaid, he shall forfeit a half-year's salary, or 
c so much as the Bishop of Lincoln shall determine. 

( 19th. — That neither "Warden nor Confrater shall obtain in ex- 

< change for their offices, nor hold together with them, any benefice, 
^ ecclesiastical office, or farm, or any other promotion whatsoever, 
( whereupon (in the judgment of the Bishop of Lincoln) they may live 
c commodiously. 

S 9th. — That none shall be admitted as almspeople but such as are 

< humble and decent, and not having else M'hereupon to live, and who 
^ can say the Lord's prayer, the creed, and the commandments. 

I 20th.— That if any, after their appointment, shall come into any 

S property of the yearly value of £10., they shall be immediately re- 

^ moved, and if of the value of £8. and below £10., they shall every 

< year put half of such sum into the public chest, (retaining the other 

< half in addition to their pension) or else be removed. 

} 24th. — That each poor person shall be paid 5s. at the end of every 

i week by the "Warden or Confrater, and Is. in addition if in the 

I course of the week he shall have purchased 31bs. of meat; and that 

< each man shall receive yearly a suit of clothes, a hat, three shirts, 
j three pair of stockings, and two pair of shoes, and each of the women 



34 CHABITIES. 



clothes in the same proportion ; and that after the payment of these 
allowances and of the costs of repairs and other necessary charges, 
a sum of £300. shall be set apart by the Warden to meet contingent 
expenses, and that then whatever surplus shall remain at the annual 
audit, shall be divided between the Warden and Confrater in the 
proportion of £24. to £20. 

The hospital is in Broad-street. The interior is in the form of a 
quadrangular court, one side of which is occupied by the chapel, the 
10 men's rooms, and the audit hall; another by the Warden's house, 
a third by the Confrater's, and the fourth by the kitchens, the two 
women's apartments and a sitting-room common to the whole 12. 

Each man has a separate bed-room, and the women one between 
them. There is also an infirmary for such as are ill. 

The Chaplain or Confrater reads prayers daily in the chapel at the 
appointed times. 

The 12 poor regularly receive the clothing specified in the statutes, 
5s. every six Aveeks for their common washing, and as much coal as 
is necessary for their common fire. They also receive 5s. weekly 
and an extra Is. if they have purchased in the course of the week 
31bs. of meat; and 2s. 6d. yearly in respect of Hurst's gift, and Is. 
by way of a Christmas box, besides a perquisite of Is. from the 
tenant on every renewal of a lease. 

The two women perform the ordinary duties of housekeepers and 
nurses to the men. 

The qualifications of both, as specified in the statutes, are strictly 
attended to, as also are the modes of appointing, punishing, and re- 
moving them. The Warden has the ordinary superintendence, but 
the Dean and Vicar are called in, in certain cases, where punish- 
ment is required. None, however, can be actually expelled without 
the authority of the Bishop of Lincoln. 

The Warden and Confrater also divide in the same proportions 
the £10. received from the trustees of the Wan sford tolls. 

The Dean of Stamford and the Vicar of All Saints, either them- 
selves, or by deputies approved by the Bishop of Lincoln, exercise 
the various privileges assigned to them. The latter, as chief auditor, 
receives a regular salary of £5. 5s., and they are allowed £1. Is. a- 
piece on every renewal of a lease. 

There is no authority in the statutes for the last-mentioned allow- 
ance ; but it appears from the account books to have been invari- 
ably made. 

The Warden holds his court for the manor of Swayfield and part 
of that of North Witham, for attending which the Steward of the 
charity receives an annual allowance of £3. 3s., and the Warden 
and Confrater their fees, as above given. There are some slight 
additional expenses incidental to these courts, which last year 
amounted to £5. 3. 7. 



CHARITIES. 35 



The "Warden keeps the accounts, which are audited every year ] 

in the audit-hall of the hospital, within a month after Michaelmas, I 

by the Yicar or his deputy, the Confrater, and two of the most j 

respectable of the Poor; the Warden and Vicar receiving £5. 5s. a- > 

piece for their attendances, and each of the two Poor men £1. Is. > 

After satisfying all the demands on the charity, the surplus is divided I 

between the Warden and Confrater in the proportions specified by I 

the statutes. > 

The sum of £300., as directed by the statutes, is always kept in ^ 

hand, for the r/gular observance of which direction the Warden, on ] 

his appointment, gives a bond to the Bishop of Lincoln. > 

The following is the account of the receipts and disbursements of ^ 

the charity from October 1835, to October 1836 : — > 

EECEIPTS. I 

£. s. d. > 

Eents 617 17 8 S 

Fines 389 19 \ 

Sale of wood and bark 119 13 ^ 

Dividends on stock 147 COS 

Interest on Taylor's note 1 12 > 



£1,276 1 



DISBIJESEMENTS. 

The unvarying expenses of the charity are as follows : — 

£. s. d. £. s. d. 

Twelve poor, at 6s. a week 187 4 

"Washing for ditto, at 5s. every six weeks. . 2 3 

Dividends on Mr. Hurst's stock 1100 

Steward's court fees 3 30 

Warden's ditto 3 3 

Confrater's ditto 1 11 6 

"Warden's fire money 4 4 

Confrater's ditto 3 3 

"Warden's audit money 5 5 

Yicar's audit money , 5 5 

Two poor mens' ditto 2 20 

Keeping clock in repair 10 

Allowance to poor men in lieu of Christmas 

boxes 12 

Insurance on hospital buildings, the cot- 
tages at North "Witham, and one at 

Barholme 4 4 9 

226 2 3 

The expenditure under the following 
heads slightly varies in amount each year, 
but is imiform as to items : — 



36 CHARITIES. 



£. s.d. £. 

Taxes in respect of hospital 8 29 

Synodals 10 6 

Corn rent for wood land in Twyford 5 6 3 

Ditto for -wood land in S wayfield 1 13 4 

Gas 113 

117|cwt. ofpitcoal 6 10 9 

Sea coal 4 18 

Tailor's bill 6 

Cloth 9 10 

Shoes 10 12 

Apothecary 4 14 6 

Draper 35 10 6 

Glazier 4 14 6 

Painter 15 13 6 

Cooper 106 

Courts keeping 5 3 7 

Dean and Vicar's fines 16 16 



One week mens' pay, included in this 

account 3 12 

Also washing- 1 9 



•Leaving as a surplus for distribution 
between the Warden and Confrater — 

For the Warden 463 4 

Confrater 386 1 IO4 



138 9 8 



Extra expenses entered in the Warden's day 
book, and consisting principally of rates 
paid in respect of the hospital premises 
and the wood land in hand in Swayfield 
and Twyford, and trifling sundries .... 27 11 O4 

EXTRAORDINARY EXPENSES. 

Whitesmiths 4 10 

Tinman 3 14 10 

Mason 114 6 

Druggists 18 

Woodmen 3 8 9 

Quota towards re-valuation 9 6 

Valuer 3 3 

Cabinet-maker 3 11 6 

Hosiery 9 9 



30 19 1 



3 13 9 



849 5 104 
£1,276 1 8 



CHARITIES. 



37 



The average amount of Income and Expenditure for the seven 
years preceding the Inquiry was, — 

EECEIPTS. 

£. s. d. 

Interest on Stock and on Taylor's Note 149 4 7 

Amount of Fines 394 12 I4 

WoodandBark 116 12 10^ 

Eents , 587 10 8 

EXPENDITURE. 

Ordinary Expenses 401 16 4 

Extraordinary Expenses 120 15 34 

"Warden's Salary 396 5 6| 

Confrater's 330 4 7| 

WARDENS OF BROWNE'S HOSPITAL. 



John Cotton 1494 

John Taylor .....1496 

William Sharpe 1503 

Eobert Sheepey 1507 

Bichard Dicklin 1518 

Tho. Helton 1523 

Tho. Forster 1529 

John Muston 1532 

John Eepington 1557 

Peter Kouth 1583 

Kobert Newton 1600 

Peter Titley 1610 

Kichard Barksdale 1625 

EalfeHodgkiu 1637 



John Kichardson 1653 

William Styles 1662 

John Lawrence 1667 

John Sedgwick 1700 

William Forster 1703 

Thomas Foster 1708 

John Zeaman 1719 

John Cawdron 1731 

William Eoss 1744 

Thomas Hurst, a.m 1766 

Edward Edwards 1785 

Christopher Cooksou, A,B. 1808 

Henry de Foe Baker 1845 

Charles Nevinson 1845 



CONFRATERS OF BROWNE'S HOSPITAL. 



Will. Haukin 

Will. Teyle 

Jeflfery Bradmir . . . . 
William Osburn . . . . 
William Harwood . . 
James Pennington.. 
Eichard Snowden . . 

Lewis Elmes 

John Massey 

Thomas Shorthose . . 

Simon Eeade 

Thomas Wilkinson 
Henry Hodgkin . . . . 

Lionel Lambe 

Eeyner Herman . . . . 
Tho. Stackhouse.... 



.1494 
.1527 
.1538 
.1540 
.1557 
.1562 
.1569 
.1573 
.1576 
.1585 
.1594 
.1599 
.1629 
.1640 
.1660 
.1668 



Matthew Graves 1673 

Peter Bold 1681 

Will. Cawthorn 1683 

Will. Forster 1692 

Tho.Foster 1703 

John Zeaman 1708 

Eobert Tipping 1719 

Jacob Dodd 1727 

William Eoss 1738 

WiUiam Gale .1744 

Edward Edwards 1766 

Christopher Cookson, a.b. 1785 

Charles Sanders, a.m 1808 

William Gretton 1844 

WooUey Spencer 1845 



^ 38 CHABITIES. 



WilliamsoTi's Hospital. — By indentures of lease and release, dated 
7th and 8th August, 1770, and enrolled in Chancery, the latter being 
made between Sarah Williamson, of the one part, and Thomas 
Smith and six others of the other part, reciting that George WiU 
liamson, husband of the said Sarah, had, in the year 1763, divided 
into six apartments, for the reception of six poor widows, the mes- 
suage on Saint Peter's Hill, thereinafter mentioned, and which from 
that time had been so used; and further reciting that the said 
George Williamson had for some years pre\-ious to his death annually 
provided a considerable quantity of sea-coal for the benefit of the 
poor of the several parishes of Stamford, by selling the same to them 
in small quantities in winter for the same price at which they had 
been purchased in summer — it was witnessed that the said Sarah 
released to the said parties of the second part, and their heirs, a 
messuage on Saint Peter's Hill, then in the occupation of six poor 
widows, a tenement, parcel of the said messuage, and all those 
several messuages in the White-meat Market, in the several occu- 
pations therein-mentioned, in trust to permit the said six widows 
during their lives to continue to inhabit the said first-mentioned 
premises on Saint Peter's Hill, and on a vacancy, by death or other- 
wise, of any of them, to elect in their place other widows out of the 
parishes of St. Michael, All Saints, St. John, and St. George, for 
ever, who should be of 48 years of age, and of the Church of Eng- 
land, and who should reside in the said house from the time of their 
appointment; with a provision that, if the trustees should not be 
able to find fit persons of that age and qualification, they should then 
elect other poor widows out of the said parishes, who should be 
nearest the age of 48, and that, if any of the widows elected to the 
said hospital should be guilty of any misbehaviour, the trustees 
should remove her or them, and, within 20 days after, elect another 
in her place, qualified, if possible, as above-mentioned ; in default of 
which election the Mayor of Stamford should have the privilege of 
nomination for that turn : and in further trust to apply the rents of 
the remainder of the said premises (alter making the necessary re- 
pairs of the said messuage inhabited by the poor widows, and paying 
all taxes in respect of it, and insuring it), in providing 50 chaldron 
of sea coals yearly for the benefit of the poor of Stamford, to be sold 
to them in small quantities, not exceeding two pecks at any one 
time to any one person, for ready money, in the winter, at the same 
price that sea coals are generally sold for in the summer; with a 
provision that, if the rents should at any time be insufficient for this 
purpose, the trustees should provide accordingly; and that, if they 
should be more than sufficient, they should apply such surplus tow- 
ards the relief of the six poor widows for the time being in the house 
aforesaid ; and with a further provision that, if at any time, by 
death or otherwise, the number of the trustees should be reduced to 



CHARITIES. 39 I 



} three, the survivors should convey the above-mentioned premises to 

< some person or persons, and his or their heirs, to the use of such 
\ survivors, and of four other persons of the town of Stamford, as 

> should seem to be of sober and discreet demeanour. 

i The trustees in 1836 -were Nicholas Clarke Stevenson, Matthew 

< Eooe, Eichard Newcorab, Charles Cocks Woodroffe, William Thos. 

< Newzam, Henry Smith, and Joseph Phillips, to whom the premises 
$ were conveyed by indentures of lease and release, dated 27th and 
I 28th of May, 1830. 

< The whole of the charity property (with the exception of the hab- 
^ itation of the widows), described as five messuages in the White- 
5 meat Market in Stamford, is let on a building lease to the Marquis 
I of Exeter, for 60 years from the 25th March, 1797, at a rent of £25. ; 
s the lease containing a covenant on the part of his lordship to expend 

> £1000. on the premises within the first seven years of the term. 

> Warrington's Augmentation. — This charity was augmented in 
^ 1806 by John Warrington's Annual Gift of £14., which, owing to the 
^ circumstances mentioned in the report of Snowden's Hospital, has 
I been reduced to £11. 13. 4. 

> Fryer's Augmentation. — In 1822, a bequest of £1000. was made by 
^ Henry Fryer. (See Snowden's Hospital.) This latter sum, now 

< £946. 8. 9., Three and a half per Cent., yields the charity a yearly 
I interest of £33. 2. 1. 

^ In 1832 the balances, which had arisen from time to time, and 

S then amounted to £246. 7. 6., were laid out by the trustees in the 

i purchase of £300. Three per Cent. Annuities, which stock is stand- 

\ ing in their names. 

I The income of the charity accordingly is — 

\ £. s. d. 

I Lord Exeter's rent 25 

^ Warrington's dividend 11 13 4 

( Fryer's ditto 33 2 1 

5 Dividends on stock 9 



£78 15 5 

The last year's expenditure was as follows :— < 

£. s. d. I 

Each of the six widows weekly 2s. l^d. 40 19 I 

Warrington's dividends, divided equally half- \ 

yearly 1113 4 I 

In Christmas-boxes, of half a guinea to each .... 3 3 > 

At Christmas, a cwt. of coals to each OHO J 

Insurance of the hospital 2 5 I 

Repairs 8 18 11 S 

Mr. Woodroflfe, for keeping accounts 1 10 > 

Passing ditto to trustees 10 > 

£69 10 3 



40 CHARITIES. 



j The average of repairs for the last six years has been about £11, 

< At the close of the last year's account the treasurer had a balance 

< of £43. 5. 5. in his hands, which had accumulated within the last 

s seven years. 

i The hospital is an old irregular building, in very indifferent con- 

< dition, containing 11 rooms, with a wash-house in common. Most 
^ of the widows have two apartments each assigned to them. The 
I average expenditure under the head of repairs for the last six years 
^ has amounted to about £11. The trustees had large improvements 
^ of the building in prospect when they made the above-mentioned 
i investment, and it will be seen that from that time to the present (a 
(- period of 4 years), there has been, on the average, a yearly surplus 
't of £11. When Lord Exeter's lease falls in, the income of the cha- 
f rity will be greatly raised, his Lordship having, in fulfilment of his 
^ covenant, laid out large sums in improving the premises. 

r The widows are selected from the parishes specified in the deed, 

< care being taken that they are qualified in the manner therein 
^ pointed out. 

c It has been found for many years very disadvantageous to the cha- 

< rity to comply with the trust relating to the purchase and sale of 

< coals, the price in summer having been as high as in Avinter, and the 
> expense of hiring coal-cellars very considerable. 

i_ Blue-Coat School. — The school known under this denomination 

] appears from an*" Essay on the Ancient and present State of Stam- 

^ ford," published by Mr. Howgrave in 1726, to have been established 

I by the Corporation in 1704, when they appropriated a house, called 

!^ Brazen-nose College, for a school-room and residence for the 

V schoolmaster. 

V, In support of the school, a sum of £690. was raised by a general 

i subscription, and the Corporation gave £20. a year for the first 

I three years after its establishment. 

^ With a part of these sums it is presumed that the landed property 

; of the charity was acquired, but there are no purchase-deeds or 

i other documents from which that fact can be ascertained. 

^ On the inclosure of the parish of Hogsthorpe, an allotment, which 

^ forms the whole landed estate of which the charity is possessed, was 

c made to the trustees of Stamford school. 

5 The house originally provided for the school has been since sold 

^ by the Corporation, and the master now rents one for his own resi- 

i dence ; the repairs of which are generally allowed by the charity. 

^ The school is under the management of trustees, elected annually 

s by the subscribers, who receive the rents and dividends, and keep 

^ the accounts, which are audited yearly at a public meeting. 

c Eighty boys receive perfectly gratuitous education in writing, 

S reading, and arithmetic, the charity finding books for them. None 

•i are admitted till seven years of age, and 40 out of the number are 



CHARITIES. 



41 [ 



I clothed from the age of 10 to 14, each receiving annually a coat, 

) ^vaistcoat, and trowsers, a pair of shoes, two pairs of stockings, two 

c shirts, and a cap. 

< The land at Hogsthorpe, on which are a house and out-buUdings, 

< is let to Joseph Eldin, as yearly tenant, at a rent of £100., from 
5 which, however, an abatement of £5. has been regularly made. It 
i is subject to the land-tax and a quit-rent of 9s. b'^d. 

\ The charity is further possessed of £100. Three per Cent. Ke- 

^ duced Annuities, standing in the names of Thos. Mills and Francis 

I Simpson, which was purchased in 1809 with £69. 10. accumulations ; of 

I £100, in the bank of Messrs. Eaton and Cayley. left by Mr. Fryer, 

^ among his various charities to this town ; and of £50. Three per 

I Cent. Consols, standing in the same names. The latter was a legacy 

\ by Robert Glen ; but when left, or for what reason the dividends 

\ were suffered to remain unpaid for the period of 16 years, as shown 

< below, it was found impossible to ascertain. The charity also 
/ receives every year voluntary subscriptions. 

< The receipts and expenditure of the last year were — 

I RECEIPTS. £. S. d, 

\ Eent of Hogsthorpe land 100 

\ Dividends on £100. Three per Cent. Keduced Annuities 3 

< Interest on £100. in Messrs. Eaton and Cayley's bank. . 2 Tj 
\ Arrears of dividends on £50. Three per Cent. Consols, 

\ the legacy of Eobert Glen 24 9 9 

\ Voluntary contributions , 35 12 

\ Balance from last year 171 8 4 

< £336 10 8.^ 

\ EXPENDITURE. 

5 Christmas dinner 2 10^ 

^ 40 pair of shoes 12 10 

$ 40 boys' clothing 59 16 

^ Master's salary 50 

\ Sundries 8 

\ CoUector , 10 

Postages 4 9 

Stationery 3 3 

Gratuity of 2d. a-piece to boys 13 4 

Abatement of Hogsthorpe rent 5 

Drainage tax on ditto 12 1 5^ 

Embankment, ditto 17 6 

Survey 5 5 

Printing 5 

£169 13> 5 

Balance in the hands of the'trustees £166. 17. 3^. 



\ 42 



CHARITIES. 



Walshani's Charity. — parish of all saints. — By indentures of 
lease and release, dated 23rd and 24th March, 1748, and made 
between Robert Garwood, of Stamford, Elizabeth Garwood his wife, 
and Catherine Garwood, of the one part, and the Mayor, Aldermen, 
and Capital Burg-esses of Stamford, of the other part, reciting an 
indenture of mortgage, dated 4th June then last, whereby the said 
parties of the first part had, in consideration of £103., granted and 
demised to Thomas Horn, his executors and administrators, a mes- 
suage near Peter's Hill, in the parish of All Saints, Stamford, since 
divided into four tenements, with the appurtenances, to hold for the 
term of 500 years, subject to a proviso for making void the same 
upon payment of the said principal and interest on a certain day 
therein mentioned ; and further reciting that there was then due to 
the said Thomas Horn £107. (principal and interest) upon the said 
recited security, and that the said parties of the second part had 
coDtracted for the purchase of the said premises for the sum of 
£190., out of which it was agreed that £107. should be paid to the 
said Thomas Horn; it was witnessed that in consideration of £83. 
to the said parties of the first part, and of £107. to the said Thomas 
Horn, the said parties of the first part released to those of the second, 
and their successors, the above-mentioned premises, to hold to the 
use of them and their successors. 

No trust is declared in this deed, nor does it contain anything to 
show whence the purchase-money was derived. All the old leases 
of the property, however, contain a recital that the purchase was 
made by the Mayor and Corporation with £200. left to them in the 
Will of Mary Walsham, on trust, to dispose of the rents and profits 
among the poor of the parishes of All Saints and Saint George, in 
Stamford. 



The present income and expenditure of the charity are as follows :— 



Description. Tenant. Term. Rent, 

£. s. d. 
Luke Barton 14 years from Lady- 11 5 
day, 1833. 
Ditto 6 15 

Ditto 5 5 

Year to year 4 10 

6 00 



A house on Saint 

Peter's HiU 
Ditto 
Ditto 
A house 



Eobert Hunt 
Robert Rhoades 
Charles Clarke 
A house used as a The Corporation Ditto 
station-house. 



£33 15 



CHARITIES. 43 



p EXPENDITURE. 

J £. S. d. 

> Distributed in small sums amongst the poor of All Saints, 

^ according to their circumstances 14 10 8 

\ Ditto ditto among the poor of Saint George's 14 10 8 

\ Eepairs 116 

\ Collector and distributor 2 2 

^ Land-tax and, quit-rents 15 8 

? 

^ £33 15 



^ The Corporation have hitherto always selected the objects, but the 

> charity is now vested in the new trustees. 
; 

i Btick's Charity.— The parish of All Saints is entitled to an annual 

I payment of 15s. 6d. in respect of a Charity of Lady Jane Buck : this 

i money has been paid regularly by the Corporation to the parish 

;^ oflBcers, and distributed by them in small sums among poor persons, 

^ a preference being generally given to widows. The charity is now, 

> however, vested in the new trustees. 
> 

^ Fisher's Charity. — This parish is entitled to a yearly payment of 

c: £1. 6. in respect of this charity, for the particulars of which see the 

f, parish of Saint George. 

S The above sum is regularly paid by Mr. Hopkinson on behalf of 

> the churchwardens of Bourn to a baker in Stamford, who supplies 

> the sexton of this parish every Aveek with six penny loaves for dis- 
5 tribution among the poor. 

> TFells's Petty SchooL—EeLward Wells, by his Will, undated, but 

> proved on the 18th September, 1604, gave " to the church and parish 
I of All Saints, in the borough of Stamford, (if his children should 
^ die,) his freehold house, with the land and appurtenances," in 
I trust, to employ the yearly rent arising therefrom towards the main- 
l tenance of a petty school within the said parish for teaching such a 
^ number of poor and free-born children within the said town, as the 

> rent of the said house and land " should discharge." 

^ The property of the charity consists of a messuage, malt-house, 

\ garden, and appurtenances, on the south side of Saint Peter's-street, 

5 with three acres and one rood of land, in the open fields of Stamford, 

s and called Ketton Dale Field, all of which are in the occupation of 

^ Robert Hunt, tenant, at a rent of £50. per annum. 

^ The trustees are the minister and churchwardens of All Saints 

} for the time being. In 1831-2 they laid out a large balance which 

< they had in hand in building two school-rooms over that part of the 

') charity premises which is used as a malt-house. They were assisted 

^ * at the same time by considerable subscriptions. 

I The expenditure of the charity for the year 1836 is subjoined. 



44 CHARITIES. 



.^ £, s. d. \ 

\ Allowance to the schoolmaster towards his house 10 J 

] ' His salary 20 \ 

I Schoolmistress's ditto 10 \ 

^ Insurance 1 13 > 

^ Sundries 1 2 2 i 

< Stamps 2 \ 

I Eepairs 3 2 9 i 

^ Eent for master's house 3 \ 

< I 

^ 39 19 11 \ 

c Balance due to the trustees 10 8 4J > 

S "* > 

i ' In consideration of their respective salaries, the master teaches 25 ] 

s boys gratuitously in reading, writing, and arithmetic, and the mis- \ 

] tress the same number of girls in reading and sewing ; the children > 

^ always finding their own books. ? 

i Fifteen more children of each sex were, at the time of the inquiry, I 

I instructed at this school at the expense of their parents. I 

^ The charity rents a house of Lord Exeter for the master at £3. > 

^ per annum, and keeps it in repair for him. ; 

c Winifred Broivne's Charity. — By deed of feoffment, dated the I 

<■ 30th of September, 24th Charles I, John Storer, in consideration of $ 

^ £51. 10., at the direction and appointment of Winifred Browne, en- > 

\ feoffed Robert Billington and John Metcalfe, and their heirs, of a \ 

\ barn and close of pasture containing two acres, in the parish of All \ 

i Saints and Saint Peter's, in Stamford, with their appurtenances, < 

c upon trust, to permit the churchwardens or other church officers of > 

< the said parish of All Saints, with Saint Peter's united, to receive > 
I quarterly 13s. to provide weekly 12 penny loaves of good wholesome ^ 
(■ and marketable bread, to be distributed by them every Lord's-day, 

i after divine service, within the said parish church of All Saints, 

^ amongst 12 of the poorest and most needful widows, and others of 

< the said parish, with a declaration that the surplus rents and profits 
^ should be distributed amongst the poor of the said parish either in 

< bread or otherwise, as by the said feoffees should from time to time 
^ be directed and appointed; and a proviso that no person should be 
I capable of receiving any benefit under the said gift, unless his, her, 

< or their father or husband were or had been free of the town or 
I borough of Stamford, and had inhabited for seven years within the 

< said parish of All Saints and Saint Peter, or the precincts thereof; 
$ and a further provision that if the churchwardens should neglect to 
> make the said distribution, that the feoff'ees for the time being, or 
i the major part of them, might appoint other persons to receive and 

< distribute the said rents. 

S By divers mesne assurances, and ultimately by indentures of 

\ lease and release enrolled in Chancery, the release dated the 2nd of 



CHARITIES. 



45 I 



January, 1824, the property belon^ng to this charity became vested 
in George Eichards Denshire, Edward Brown, Thomas Mills, John 
Davis, James Torkington, 'William Thompson, Horatio Thomas 
Gilchrist, and Boughton Hodges, and their heirs. 

Considerable alterations have taken place in the description of 
this property, but at what period, and in what manner, could not be 
ascertained. 
It now consists of the subjoined particulars : — 



Description. 



Teiiaiit. 



Term. 



Rent. 
£. s. d. 

28 Seven years from Mi- 
chaelmas, 1834. 

27 Seven years from 
Lady-day, 1831. 



10 Fourteen years from 
Lady-day, 1834. 



Two houses in St. James Eoberts 

Peter's-street, 

All Saints 
A public house "William Brown 

called the Che- Edwards 

quers, in Saint 

Peter's-street 
Half an acre of Thomas Pilkinton 

land, now used 

for a workshop 

and timber yard 

£65 

The rent, subject to deductions of £4. 4. as a salary to a receiver 
and distributor, and of £1. 1. 11. for land tax, has been applied 
partly in money and partly in bread. In the year 1835, seven widows 
received each 23. 6d. per week, and the sum of £6. 10. was dis- 
tributed in bread. 

In the selection of the objects, the qualification and restrictions 
required by the deed are duly attended to. 

The accounts are annually audited by the trustees on the first 
"Wednesday in May. 

Hurst's Charitij.— The Eev. Thomas Potter Hurst, by WiU, 
dated 1st August, 1799, gave £50. Three per Cent. Consols, the 
dividends to be distributed among the poor every Christmas by his 
successors in the living of All Saints. 

The stock is standing in the name of the Eev. N. "Walters. The 
dividends have hitherto been received septennially by the church- 
wardens of All Saints, and distributed in small sums among the 
poor of the parish. 

TruesdaJe's Hospital .—ThomsiS Truesdale, by Will, dated 20th of 
October, 1700, devised his manor or farm, with the appurtenances in 
Morton, in the county of Lincoln, also his Eectory of Baston, in the 
same county, with aU tithes and profits thereunto belonging, and 
his messuage and malting-oflfice, together with six acres of land 



46 CHARITIES. 



thereunto belong-ing in Scotgate, in Stamford, with their appurte- 
nances, to William Barker, and three others therein-named, their 
heirs and assigns, in trust, immediately after his death to convert 
his last-mentioned messuage in Scotgate into six convenient small 
rooms for the habitation of six poor persons, whom they should no- 
minate out of the most ancient an4 poor men inhabiting in the 
parishes of All Saints' and Saint John, and place therein for their 
lives ; such persons to attend divine service in All Saints' church 
every day that it should be performed there, and their healths 
should permit ; and the said trustees were, upon any vacancy by 
death or otherwise in any of the said rooms, to fill up the same with 
other like poor men, inhabitants of the said parishes, and to have 
authority to remove such as should at any time misbehave ; and 
upon further trust, to pay out of the rents and profits of the said 
premises 2s. 6d. weekly to each poor man, and give each yearly a 
cloth gown or suit of cloth, and to keep the premises in repair, and 
satisfy themselves yearly for their trouble, and make such other de- 
ductions and allowances as should be reasonabl e ; and to lay out the 
surplus yearly in fuel, to be divided equally among the poor men, 
share and share alike: with a provision that the said trustees, their 
heirs, and assigns, should give an account yearly of and for the pre- 
mises, on every Easter Monday, to the Mayor of Stamford, the Eec- 
tors of All Saints' and Saint John's, and the Warden of Browne's 
Hospital, and their successors, whom he thereby authorised to audit 
such accounts ; and a further provision that if the said trustees, or ! 
their heirs, or the survivor or heir of such survivor should refuse to 
give such account as aforesaid, or should at any time thereafter fail ; 
in the due performance of the trusts reposed in them in that behalf, ; 
in the judgment of the 12 Aldermen of Stamford, or the greater num- < 
ber of them, certified under their hands and seals ; then his said < 
devise to the said trustees should be void, and the said premises \ 
should vest in the Mayor, E,ector of All Saints' and Saint John's, and I 
the Warden of Browne's Hospital for the time being, and their sue- c 
cessors, upon the trusts aforesaid, who should in like manner ] 
account with the 12 Aldermen aforesaid ; and that if the said Mayor, > 
Eector, and Warden should fail in their duties in the judgment of ^ 
the 12 Aldermen aforesaid, certified as aforesaid, then the said de- i 
vise should be void, and the premises should revert to his own right \ 
heirs : with a further provision that, upon the death or removal of S 
any of his trustees for the time being, the survivors should grant < 
the said premises to the use of themselves, and such other honest $ 
persons as they should think fit, upon the trusts aforesaid, so as to I 
keep up from time to time the number of three or four trustees. > 

By the award on the inclosure of the parish of Morton, dated the i 
17th of September, 1771, 95a. 3r. 16p. in Morton and Morton Fen S 
were allotted to the trustees of this charity in respect of the manor ^ 



CHARITIES. 



47 



and farm in that parish, and by the Lan^oft and Baston award, 
which parishes were inclosed under the 41st Geo. Ill, 153a. 1r. 27p. 
in Baston and Baston Fen, were also allotted to them in lieu of the 
tithes payable to them as impropriators. 

By an order of the Court of Chancery, dated the 2nd April, 1829, 
and made on the petition of James Torkington, James Hurst, and 
Thomas Graham Arnold, the then and present trustees of the cha- 
rity, it was ordered that it should be referred to the Master in rota- 
tion to approve of a proper scheme for re-building or repairing the 
almshouse, and for the extension and proper management of the 
charity. 

The Master, by his report, dated 28th April, 1831, found that the 
income of the said charity estates has been, for some time, more 
than sufficient to make such provision for six ancient poor as by 
the "Will of the said Thomas Truesdale was directed, and that such 
number had been encreased to eight, and that after all expenses of 
the charity had been defrayed, there remained a surplus of £1,500. 
Three per Cent. Consolidated Bank Annuities, and £970. 8. 65. 
in cash, and that, independently of such sums, the property of the 
charity amounted to a yearly income of £365. 3. 4^. ; and he further 
found, by the affidavit of George Basevi, architect, sworn 18th 
March, 1831, that the present almshouse required to be re-built, 
and that the accumulations, with the accruing future surplus rents, 
would be more than sufficient for that purpose, and to enlarge the 
same sufficiently for the abode of 12 poor men ; and that the said 
trustees had proposed that the present almshouse of the charity 
should be taken down, and a new almshouse erected on the site 
thereof sufficiently enlarged for the abode of 12 poor men, and that 
the same should be built according to the design of George Basevi 
referred to in the said affidavit, and that the benefit of the said 
charity should, from the time of the erection of such new alms- 
house, be extended to 12 of the most ancient and poor men inhabit- 
ing in the said parishes of All Saints' and St. John's, each of whom 
should receive 5s. weekly, and be provided yearly with a " suit of 
clothes and fuel ;" and the Master approved of such proposal as a 
proper scheme for re-building the said almshouse, and for the ex- 
tension and management of the charity. 

This report was confirmed by an order, dated 3rd August, 1831, 
whereby it was directed that the said scheme should be carried 
into effect. 



The costs of the petition, and other proceedings, amounted to 
£230., and the following is the building account :— 



48 CHARITIES. 

1832.— CHARGE. 

£. s. d. 
Sale of old materials 107 4 6 

Transferred from private account of hospital, March, 1832 600 

Produce of sale of £500. Three per Cent. Consols 411 2 6 

< Ditto of £1000 ditto 837 10 

\ From private account, 1833 600 00 

\ From ditto, 1834 600 00 

] From ditto, 1835 137 77 

\ £3293 4 7 

\ 1832.— DISCHARGE. 

\ £. s. d, 

\ Expenses of taking down old almshouse 66 16 4 

\ Bill for carriage of materials, &c 10 7 

Be-building gable end of Mr. Clipsham's house 20 15 6 

Foundations of new buildings 62 4 5^ 

The contractor for new almshouse 2384 13 11^ 

Ditto for works not included in contract 239 12 10 

Stone figures for entrance 16 10 

Model of arms 3 

Iron railing 47 10 

Iron grates 11 6 

For setting ditto 5 8 

Clerk of the works 197 13 6 

Architect 224 17 6 

Stamps and postage , 2 15 



£3293 4 7 



The sums on the charge side of the above statement, said to be 
transferred from the private account of the hospital, are made up 
of the surplus of the rents, and of the portion of the cash men- 
tioned in the Master's Eeport as being then invested, and in the 
hands of the trustees. 

The present rental of the charity is as follows :— 

A. E. p. £. s. d. 

A house and 95 3 16 in Morton, let to Henry Falkner 

as yearly tenant, at 140 

Ditto and 153 1 27 in Baston, let to John Bland, as 

yearly tenant, at 220 

6 in Stamford-fields, let to John 

Smith, as yearly tenant, at . . 5 

£365 



CHARITIES. 



49 I 



The premises in Morton and Boston were exonerated from the 
land-tax in 1799. They are also tithe-free. The land in Stamford- 
fields is subject to tithe, but is exempted from the land-tax. 

The present trustees, to "whom the premises -were conveyed by 
indenture of lease and release, dated 23rd and 24th October, 1823, 
are James Torkington, James Hurst, and Thomas Graham Arnold* 
The accounts are audited by the Mayor, the Warden of Brown's 
Hospital, and the Eectors of All Saints and St. John's, on Easter 
Monday, when these parties dine with the trustees. The average 
of these dinners for the last seven years has been £10. 3. 7. 



The last year's expenditure was as follows : — 
£. s. d. 



Collecting rents .... 3 3 
Stamps 15 



5 
28 15 

1 8 
9 

11 5 
8 16 



Copying for mayor . 
Repairing house, &c. 

Extra work 

Lime 

Bill for dinners .... 
Gas-lamp and pipes 
Drainage-tax (T. 

Bland) 1 18 

Ditto (Falkner) .... 2 11 

Slating 1 14 

Mason 3 

Tailor 5 



8 



s. 



Insurance 7 8 

Sundries 1 4 

Coals 47 9 

Cloth 29 17 

Surgeon 11 11 

Brushes 13 10 

Glazier 6 6 

Blacksmith 14 7 

Gas 2 10 

Pay of nurse & poor 165 15 
To ditto on Easter 

Monday 13 



£334 15 44 



The balance at the last audit in the treasurer's hands wa® 
£212. 16. 10|. 

The hospital, which fronts in Scotgate, is a highly ornamented 
stone building, erected in 1833. It contains 12 rooms and 10 pan- 
tries for the Almsmen, 2 rooms for the Nurse, and 1 for the Meet- 
ings of the Committee, and is in perfect repair. A large yard, and 
about 20 perches of garden are attached to the hospital. 

The number of 12 Almsmen and a Nurse was complete at the 
inquiry. The former are exclusively from the parishes of St. John's 
and All Saints, and are always the oldest persons that can be found. 
The wives of such as are married are permitted to live with them, 
without, however, receiving any pay. The Nurse is likewise se- 
lected, if possible, from the same parishes. She takes care of the 
sick, and attends to those who are single, and receives the same al- 
lowance as the men, namely, 5s. every week, and Is. on Easter 
Monday. The inmates are supplied with as much coal as is neces- 
sary, and each of the men receives yearly a coat and waistcoat, and 
once in three or four years a cloak. The average cost of coals 



\ 50 CHARITIES. 



^ since the number of Almsmen has been 12, has amounted to £45., 

I that of clothes to £35, and that of surgical attendance to £10. 

I The collector receives annually £3, 3. for collecting the rents, 

s and 5s. for making a copy of the accounts for the mayor. The 

\ yearly expense of stamps is 15s. The average of the drainage- 

\ tax on the different property of the charity for the last six years 

\ has been £5. 13. 4., the insurance £7. 8. 3., and that of repairs for 

5 the three years succeeding the completion of the new hospital, £45. 

) Fisher's Charity. — parish of st. GEORGE.~The original deed 
^ of gift is lost, but a copy is contained in an old manuscript book in 
I the chest of the parish church, from which it appears that William 
] Fisher, by feoffment, dated 22nd October, 7th Charles I., enfeoffed 
^ John Balguy and six others, of Stamford, and Thomas Quinborough 
> and three others, of Bourn, of the premises therein described, and 
I which "were then in lease for the lives of two persons, at a rent of 
£6. 13. 4., upon the trusts declared in the schedule annexed. 

The schedule declares that the churchwardens of Bourn should 
receive 20s. quarterly of the then and all future rent of the pre- 
mises, to be laid out by them in bread, and that the churchwardens 
of the parishes of All Saints and St. George should respectively re- 
ceive 6s. 8d. quarterly of the then reserved rent, to be in like man- 
ner distributed by them in bread, and that all increased rents of 
the premises should be divided equally between the parishes of St. 
George and All Saints. 

From the date of the feoffment until the year 1814, the parish of 
Bourn remained in possession of the premises thus conveyed, pay- 
ing only £1. 6. 8. to each of the parishes of St. George and All 
Saints. 

In the month of March in that year a petition was presented to 
the Court of Chancery by the parish ofBcers of St. George and All 
Saints, setting forth the loss of the original feoffment, but that the 
copy just referred to was in existence, and praying the court to ap- 
point new trustees, and to direct in what manner the rents should 
be applied. 

By an order, dated 22nd December, 1814, it was referred to the 
Master to inquire what messuages, lands, and tenements were de- 
rived from the gift of William Fisher, what was the annual value 
thereof, and what charitable trusts affected the same. 

The Master, by his report dated 10th December, 1818, found that 
the messuages, lands, and hereditaments so derived were situate in 
the parishes of Saint George and All Saints, were of the annual value 
of about £50., and subject to the charitable trusts declared in the 
schedule annexed to the said copy. 

On the 17th January, 1819, a petition was presented by the parish 
officers of the parishes of All Saints and Saint George, praying that 
the Master's report might be confirmed ; and on the 19th of the same 



CHARITIES. 51 



J 



month a petition was presented by the churchwardens and overseers 
of Bourn, praying that the report might not be confirmed. 

By an order, dated 8th February in the same year, it was ordered 
that the report should not be confirmed. 

It is surprising that subsequent attempt has been made to disturb 
the possession of the parish of Bourn, and the £1. 6. continues alone 
to be received by this parish. 

The rental of the charity is as follows : 







£, s. d. 


A house in All Saints' parish, 


JohnHackett, 


year to year 9 


Stables in ditto. 


John Palmer, 


year to year 9 10 


House in ditto. 


Maria Ireland 


year to year 3 


Lime-house in ditto. 


BobertHazelby, 


year to year 3 


House in ditto, 


Edward Kirby, 


year to year 7 


House and stable in ditto. 


"William Sapcote, 


, year to year 11 


9 acres in Stamford Fields, 


ClementEubbins, 


, year to year 7 




£49 10 



Mr. Arden collects these rents and pays them over to the church- 
wardens of Bourn, charging 5s. annually for expenses at Stamford. 
The land-tax amounts to 53. 4d. 

Mr. Hopkinson, on behalf of the churchwardens of Bourn, pays 
yearly the small sum of £1. 6. to a baker in Stamford, who supplies 
six penny loaves weekly to the sexton of the parish for distribution 
among the poor. 

Chirme's Charity.— John Chirme, by Will, dated January, 

10th Charles I., gave 20s. a-year, for three years, after his decease, 
±0 be distributed quarterly and equally among 10 of the poorest 
people of the parish, at the discretion of the churchwardens and 
overseers, and with the consent of John Balguy, or of the person 
who should inhabit the house in which he then dwelt; the distri- 
bution to be made on the 1st days of November, January, May, and 
August ; and, in case the inhabitants of the said parish should, within 
the three years, have "procured good assurance by land" for the 
continual payment of 5s. quarterly to the said poor, then the said 
testator gave towards the purchasing thereof £13. 6. 8. 

By deed of feoffment, dated 13th March, 13th Charles I., between 
"William Vance, of the first part, John Chirme, sole executor of the 
said Will, of the second part, John Balguy and 11 others of the third 
part, reciting the said Will, it was witnessed that the said William 
"Vance, in consideration of £13. 6. 8. from the said John Chirme, and 
of £16. 13. 4. from the said parties of the third part, inhabitants of 
Saint George's parish, enfeoffed the said parties of the third part, 
and their heirs, of an orchard or garden, and two cottages in the 
parish of Saint Paul, " united to Saint George ;" with a proviso that, 
when the number of feoffees should be reduced to three, four, or five. 



52 CHARITIES. 



the survivors should, within three months, convey the said premises 
to at least 12 inhabitants of the said parish, or persons "having 
freehold there," or to such other persons as the survivors should 
think most meet. 

By a schedule annexed it was declared that the churchwardens 
and overseers for the time being should, out of the rents and profits 
of the said premises, distribute 5s., quarterly, with such consent 
and in such manner as was directed by the said Will, and apply the 
residue towards the relief of such poor of the parish as by the said 
feoffees, or the major part of them, should be thought fit. 

There have been no subsequent conveyances to new trustees, and 
it is not known in whom the legal estate in the premises is now 
vested. 

The property of the charity now consists of the Half Moon public- 
house, with the appurtenances, which is let to Robert Dalton, as 
yearly tenant, at a rent of £14. 

Twelve poor widows, selected by the minister and churchwardens, 
receive Is. each on the four days appointed by the Will, and the 
residue of the rent is distributed at Christmas in bread, meat, and 
coals. 

Brocklesby's Charity. — Eichard Brocklesby, by Will, dated 31st 
January, 1713, gave £50., and directed the interest of it to be dis- ' 
tributed yearly to the poor of the parish on every Michaelmas-day. 

By indentures of lease and release, dated 9th and 10th February, 
1743, the release being made between Thomas Linthwaite, of the 
one part, and Michael Tyson, rector of the parish, Thomas Hurst, 
and William Eedlington, of the other part, it was witnessed that 
the said Thomas Linthwaite, in consideration of £50., granted and 
released to the said parties of the second part, and their heirs, 14 
acres of arable land, lying together in a field in Stamford, called 
Ketton Dale Field, upon the trusts of the said Will. 

There has been no subsequent appointment of trustees, and 'the 
heir of the survivor of those above named could not be traced. 

The charity is under the management of the churchwardens. 

The premises, which by a recent survey are stated at only 10a. 

3r., are let to Lock, as yearly tenant, at a rent of £12., which 

is added to, and distributed with, Chirme's Charity, in bread, meat, 
and coals, among the poor at Christmas. 

Cusfs Charity.— ^\r Richard Cust, by Will, dated 26th April, 1699, 
charged all his lands in Barholm, Greatford, Tallington, Stowe, 
Burtoft, Wigtoft, and Lunnerhead, with the payment of 40s. yearly, 
on the 21st December, to the poor of this parish. 

Lord Brownlow is the owner of the property charged, and his 
steward pays the 40s. to a baker in Stamford, who distributes bread 
to that amount amongst the poor on Saint Thomas's-day. 



CHARITIES. 53 



^ Walsham's Charity. — This parish is entitled to one-half of the 

\ proceeds of the charity of Mary Walsham. (See parish of All Saints.) 

^ The year of the Inquiry the amount received was £14. 10. 8., 

5 which was distributed by the parish officers in small sums among 

< the poor. 

\ The Conduit Charity. — By deed of feoflfment, dated 28th February, 

< 1774, (being the earliest that could be found relating to this charity), 
5 Joseph Caldecott and three others, described as the surviving 
\ trustees, with John late Earl of Exeter and others, deceased, for 
I continuing the charitable purposes thereinafter mentioned, enfeoffed 
( Thomas Wright and others of two cottages in Saint Paul's-street, in 
/ the parish of Saint George, over against the leaden conduit there, 
( and three roods in the same parish ; also of three acres in New-close 
\ Field, in the Middle Furlong above the conduit head, to the use of 
S the said parties, and their heirs, in trust to let the said premises at 
[ the best yearly value, and apply the rents towards the reparation of 

< the conduit in Saint Paul's-street, in the said parish, in such manner 

< as the trustees, or the major part of them, should direct; with a 
\ provision for the appointment of new trustees when any six or more 
^ should be deceased, and with power to grant leases by the majority 
( of the trustees, for terms not exceeding 21 years in possession, and 
\^ containing covenants for repairs. 

( By divers mesne assurances, and ultimately by indentures of lease 

{ and release, the release dated 20th November, 1834, the premises 

\ became vested in the Marquis of Exeter, Lord Thomas Cecil, Henry 

s Atlay, James Hurst, William Stevenson, Nicholas Clarke Stevenson, 

I Francis Simpson, Thomas Smith, the Kev. Charles Atlay, the Eev. 

( F. Gretton, Timothy Lincoln, William Thomas Newzam, Francis 

( Simpson, and James Simpson, and their heirs, upon the same trusts. 

\ The whole of the property, which corresponds with the description 

\ contained in the deed of 1774, with the exception of the two cottages, 

\ which are now converted into one house, is let to John THson, as 

\ yearly tenant, at a fair rent of £18. In addition to this the sum of 

\ £1. 10. is annually received from the Commissioners of the Deeping 

< Road for a small piece of land taken by them, and 5s. from 

< South for a right of way across the three acres. 

S The charity is also possessed of £141. 18. 4. Consols, which arose 

\ from savings at different times, and which is now standing in the 

\ names of William Stevenson, Nicholas Clarke Stevenson, Francis 

< Simpson, and Henry Atlay. 

j The rents are applied in repairing and maintaining the conduit 
which is situate in Saint Paul's-street, and is supplied with water 
by means of pipes from a spring, which rises at a distance of about 
150 yards. A lamp lighted with gas is maintained during the winter 
months at the expense of the charity, for the convenience of those 
resorting to the conduit. 



54 CHARITIES. 



The trustees appoint what is termed a Conduit Master, whose 
duty is to see that the conduit is kept in repair and well supplied 
with water. He receives no salary, but, being by trade a brick- 
layer, is, in consideration of his trouble, employed to make such 
repairs as may be necessary. 

It appears formerly to have been a practice that the parish should 
elect the conduit masters yearly, at the same time as the church- 
wardens, and that their accounts should be audited at a general 
vestry. 

There was a balance in hand at the time of the Inquiry of 
£38. 10. 6., besides £20. arrear of rent, and two years' dividends 
unreceived. 

Church Estate. — By deed of feoffment, dated 1st June, 12th Eliza- 
beth, William Lacy enfeoffed the churchwardens of Saint George's 
parish and eight others, and their heirs, of a messuage and three 
gardens in the parish of Saint George. 

In this deed no trusts are declared, but by indenture, dated 16th 
September, 7th James 1., William Lord Burleigh and two others, 
the surviving feoffees under the last deed, enfeoffed William Lord 
Bosse, and twelve others of the said premises, to hold to the use of 
the feoffors for life, and, after their decease, to the use of the 
feoffees, and their heirs, " for the reparation of the parish church of \ 
Saint George." \ 

By deed of feoffment, dated 27th April, 1628, between Simon \ 
Fysher and William Diglen, of the one part, and Thomas Balguy 
and ten others of the other part, the said Simon Fysher and William 
Diglen, in consideration of £15. paid to them by the parties of the 
second part, enfeoffed them and their heirs of a tenement or cottage, 
with a yard, orchard, and garden thereto belonging, in the parish of 
Saint George, in Stamford, upon trust to apply the rents and profits 
thereof in maintaining and repairing the parish church of Saint 
George in Stamford, or otherwise for and towards the necessary 
uses and charges of the said church, in such manner as should 
yearly, from time to time, be agreed upon by the greatest part of 
the inhabitants of the said parish. 

The deed contained a covenant on the part of the feoffees, that if 
they, or any of them, should remove out of the parish, they would 
not, after their departure, receive or dispose of any of the rents 
and profits of the premises ; and a provision that, when six of the 
feoffees should be dead, or have removed from out of the parish, the 
chiefest and most substantial part of the inhabitants thereof should 
elect 12 other inhabitants of the parish to be feoffees of the premises, 
to whom the same were to be conveyed by the surviving trustees, 
upon the trusts aforesaid ; and a further provision that two of the 



CHARITIES. 55 



; feoffees should be yearly chosen, with the consent of the inhabitants ^ 

I of the parish, who were to be called Greeves, and be collectors of I 

I the rents of the said premises. s 

\ By deed, dated 12th April, 1658, John Balg-uy, the only surviving I 

> trustee, enfeoffed Thomas Norris and William Larrett of the pre- ) 
; mises comprised in the deed of 12th of Elizabeth by the descrip- i 
I tion of a messuage, then divided into two ; a piece of ground I 
I *' theretofore used as a garden," and a tenement thereupon, I 

> lately built; a piece of gi'ound "theretofore used as a garden,'* I 
I with two tenements thereon, to hold to them and their heirs to the ^ 

> use of the said John Balguy for life, and, after his decease, to the ^ 

> use of themselves and 17 others, and also to the use of the "rector ^ 
) or minister and churchwardens and church officers of the parish I 
I of St. George, and their successors," upon trust to let the said pre- > 
I mises, without fine, at the best improved value, and to apply the ? 
S rents in such manner as they, or the major part of them, should di- j 
^ rect, •' for and towards the reparation of the parish" church of St. i 
^ George, and other charitable uses within or concerning the said I 
I church and parish ; with a direction that the churchwardens, or I 
I such other persons as should be appointed by the said trustees, or S 

> the major part of them, to receive the rents and profits of the said > 
s premises, should yearly (or oftener if required) account to them, > 
\ the said trustees, or the major part of them, for the same; and a ^ 
] provision that, when six of the trustees should be dead, the ma- > 
? jority of the survivors, " with others of the best able inhabitants \ 

< of the parish," should elect so many others in their stead to be ^ 
\ joint trustees with the survivors. ' ^ 

^ By indenture, dated 11th September, 1659, and made between ^ 

5 Jeffrey Hibbins, of the first part, Thomas Norris and William Lar- I 

< rett of the second part, and Matthew Bunworth of the third part, S 
I reciting that the parishioners and inhabitants of the parish of St. < 

> George had advanced the £15. mentioned in the above-abstracted ^ 
^ indenture of 1638, and that the said Jeffrey Hibbins was sole sur- p 
$ viving trustee thereunder : the premises comprised in the said > 
\ deed of 1638 were conveyed to the use of the parties of the se- ^ 

> cond part, and 10 other inhabitants of the parish and their heirs, I 

> and to the use of the " rector, churchwardens, and church ; 
I officers" of the said parish, and their successors, upon the trusts > 
\ declared in that deed, with a direction that the said premises ^ 

> should be let at the best rent, and for no longer term than 21 years, ^ 

I No subsequent conveyances were produced, and it is not known s 

S in whom the legal estate in the premises now reside, unless any > 

> portion can be considered as vested in the rector, under the limita- } 
\ tions in the deeds of 1658 and 1659. J 



56 



CHARITIES. 



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CHARITIES. 57 



Parish of St. John. — hardy's charity. — Thomas Hardy, by 
Will, dated 21st November, 1744, and proved in the Prerogative 
Court of Canterbury, 16th September, 1747, gave £100. Old South 

Sea Annuities to the minister, churchwardens, and six of the most \ 

substantial inhabitants of the parish of St. John, in Stamford, such I 

inhabitants to be from time to time elected by the major part of the ( 

parishioners of the said parish in vestry assembled, in trust, that f. 

they and their successors should distribute the dividends yearly on ^ 

the 28th May, old style, (the testator's birth-day,) amongst eight \ 

such poor persons belonging to the said parish, not receiving alms, \ 

as the said minister, churchwardens, and inhabitants for the time \ 

being, or the major part of them, should think proper objects of ^ 

charity ; with a direction that in case the said stock should be paid \ 

off, the money arising from such payment should be invested on \ 

such government or real securities, as the said minister, churchwar- s 

dens, and inhabitants, or the major part of them, should think j 

proper. ^ 

By indentures of lease and release, the release dated 25th of c 

March, 1755, and made between Simon Peter Martin, of the one <, 

part, and the rector, churchwardens, and six others of the parish of < 

St. John, of the other part; it was witnessed that, in consideration 5 

of £100., the said Simon Peter Martin granted and released to the ^ 

parties of the second part, a messuage or tenement, with the ap- > 

purtenances then divided into two tenements, situate in the parish i 

of St. Mary, in Stamford, and also a stable or warehouse, situate in ( 

the same parish, to hold to the use of them, their heirs and as- < 

signs, upon such trusts as are mentioned and set forth in the Will \ 

of Thomas Hardy. \ 

It appears by the recitals, in indentures of lease and release, of ^ 

7th and 8th May, 1763, that the trusts of the Will had not been duly \ 

observed, and accordingly the three surviving trustees, *' to the in- S 

tent that the said charity might not be frustrated, and that the i 

Will might be carried into execution," conveyed the property to the c 

then rector, churchwardens, and six inhabitants of St. John's S 

parish, on the trusts of the Will. \ 

In consequence of the sale of the charity property acquired by \ 

the purchase of 1755, which took place under the circumstances < 

hereafter detailed, the churchwardens' books and other documents \ 

relating to this gift were closely examined. ^ 

The former commence in 1768, and contain entries of receipts of < 

the income of the charity from that year to the period of the in- \ 

quiry. From these it appears that the gross rent received from the ^ 

property in 1779 was £6., and that it continued at the same amount i 

for the six following years, during which time, however, by far the S 

greater portion was absorbed in the payment of repairs, and other \ 

outgoings, including a quit-rent of 10s. 8d. to the Duke of Leeds. <> 

X 



\ 58 CHARITIES. 



I7i 1785, the corporation, ivho were owners of some ground imme- 
diately adjoining that of the charity, entered into a treaty with the 
then Lord Exeter, to grant him a 'building lease, with a view to the 
improvement thereof. 

In the same year, the corporation, who had not a shadow of in- 
terest in the property of the charity, hut the site of ivhich it may he 
presumed was desirahle in earthy ing out the scheme for the henefit of 
their ow7i, agreed that it should also he applied for the purposes of 
the intended improvement. 

The two houses and stable belonging" to the charity were accord- 
ingly pulled down, and new buildings erected on the site, which 
were leased to Lord Exeter in the following year. An abstract of 
the lease is subjoined. 

By indenture, dated 31st August, 1786, and made between the 
Mayor, Aldermen, and Capital Burgesses of the one part, and the 
Kight Honourable Brownlow, Earl of Exeter, of the other part; 
reciting that at a common-hall in the borough, held on the 19th day 
of January, 1784, it was ordered that a lease of a messuage or tene- 
ment in the parish of St. Mary, in the tenure of Mary Tilson, a 
messuage or tenement in the same parish, in the tenure of James 
Jennings, a messuage or tenement in the same parish in the tenure 
of Mary Harrison, a messuage or tenement in the tenure of Eichard 
Johnson, and a cellar in the same parish, in the tenure of E-obert 
Hunt, should be granted to the said Earl for 61 years, from Lady-day 
then next ensuing, at a yearly rent of £20., with the usual cove- 
nants, and one for laying out £1000. in re-building the said pre- 
mises ; and reciting that £2000. had been laid out in re-building 
the said premises, and converting them into three new houses, 
which were then let to Elizabeth Digby, spinster, Mrs. Hutchinson, 
widow, and Hugh Jackson, gentleman, the said Mayor, Aldermen, 
and Burgesses for themselves, and their successors, demised to the 
said earl, his executors, administrators, and assigns, the said three 
several messuages or tenements, with the appurtenances, then 
lately erected in the parish of St. Mary, and in the tenures afore- 
said, for 61 years, from 5th April, 1784, at a yearly rent of £20., 
with the usual covenants, except that the corporation were to pay 
the land-tax. 

A portion of the site of the three houses thus affected to be 
leased, but the demise of which, as far as the charity is con- 
cerned, appears wholly inoperative, inasmuch as the corporation 
had no legal title whatsoever in the property, formed the ground 
upon which the two houses and stable originally stood. This will 
appear by reference to the last recital in the deed of 1794, which 
will be hereafter referred to, and in which the names of two of the 
tenants will be found to correspond with those in the indenture of 
lease just abstracted. 



4 



CHARITIES. 



59 



It is ivhoUy impossible that this gross abuse of the interests of the 
property coxild have been effected tcithoiit the sanction and conni- 
vance of the then trustees, ivho, with the exception of the rector, 
appear to have been the individuals, or the survivors of them, named 
in the deed of 1763, no intermediate appointment of neiv trustees 
having been made. In 1785, the B,ev. Richard Atlay succeeded as 
rector, and most probably assumed to act in the affairs of the 
charity, by virtue of that office. 

The equivalent to be received for this transaction, apparently 
mutually agreed upon by the trustees and corporation, was an an- 
nual payment of £4. 10. This is confirmed by the churchwardens' 
book which contains entries of the receipt of that sum from 1784 
downwards, and by the recitals in the deed next referred to, which 
professes absolutely to dispose of the charity property for a rent- 
charge of that amount secured on the newly-erected buildings. 

By indentures of lease and release, the release dated 29th May, 
1794, and made between the Kev. Eichard Atlay, rector of St. John's, 
"William Allatt and four others therein described, as feoffees or 
trustees of the piece of ground and hereditaments thereinafter 
mentioned, of the one part, and the Mayor, Aldermen, and Capital 
Burgesses of the other part, reciting the said Will, and purchase of 
the said two houses and stable, and that the said Mayor, Aldermen, 
and Burgesses, being seised in fee of some ground adjoining to the 
said two houses and stable, and being desirous of building thereon, 
had some time since made proposals to the said Eichard Atlay, and 
the other parties of the first part, for the purchase of the said two 
houses and stable, in order to erect on the site thereof, and on the 
said ground adjoining, three new messuages or dwelling-houses i 
and that the said Mayor, Aldermen, and Capital Burgesses had 
oifered for the fee-simple of the said two houses and stable a yearly 
rent of £4. 10., payable out of the said three new messuages or 
dwelling-houses; and that the said Eichard Atlay and the other 
parties of the first part, having considered the proposal, and, 
•' thinking it greatly for the benefit of the said charity," had agreed 
thereto accordingly, and that the said Mayor, Aldermen, and 
Burgesses had lately, in consequence of such agreement, and "with 
the approbation of the said trustees," pulled down the said two 
houses and stable, and built on the site, and on their said ground 
adjoining, three new messuages or dwelling-houses, with suitable 
out-houses and offices, which were then in the several tenures of 
Hugh Jackson, Jane Darwin, and Elizabeth Digby, but that no con- 
veyance had been executed to the Mayor, Aldermen, and Capital 
Burgesses of the site of the two houses and stable : it was witnessed 
that, in pursuance of the said agreement, and in consideration of a 
clear yearly rent of £4. 10., intended to be granted by the said 



60 CHARITIES. 

Mayor, Aldermen, and Capital Burg-esses, out of the said three new 
erected messuages, by indenture intended to bear date the day next 
after the day of the date of the now abstracting indenture, and for 
the nominal consideration therein mentioned, the said Kichard 
Atlay and the five others g-ranted and released to the said Mayor, 
Aldermen, and Burgesses, and their successors, the site, or piece, or 
parcel of ground in the parish of St. Mary, in the borough of 
Stamford, whereon lately stood the aforesaid two houses and stable 
belonging to the said Eichard Atlay and others, as trustees of 
Hardy's Charity, and whereon then stood certain parts of three new 
messuages or dwelling-houses, with out-houses, and offices thereto 
belonging, lately erected and built by the said Mayor, Aldermen, 
and Capital Burgesses, or the Earl of Exeter their lessee, and in 
the several occupations aforesaid. 

The only possible pretext that can he advanced in support of the 
recital that the transaction was for the henefit -of the charity, is 
that the greater portion of the £6. original rent tvas sunk in rejoairs 
and out-goings. If, however, the trustees had let the premises for 
the advantages of the charity, upon the same terms that they per- 
mitted the Coiyoration to let them for themselves, there is every 
reason to suppose that the rent would have heen consideraUy aug- 
mented, and the value of the property permanently increased. 

By indenture, dated 29th May, 1794, and made between the 
Mayor, Aldermen, and Capital Burgesses, of the one part, and the 
Bev. Bichard Atlay and five others, described as trustees of 
Hardy's Charity, of the other part, reciting to the effect herein- 
before recited in the indentures of lease and release last abstracted, 
it was witnessed that, in consideration of the hereinbefore men- 
tioned agreement, and of the conveyance to them of the said piece 
of ground, the said Mayor, Aldermen, and Burgesses granted to 
the said Eichard Atlay, and the others, their heirs and assigns, a 
clear yearly rent-charge of £4. 10., issuing out and chargeable upon 
those the said three new messuages or dwelling-houses, and the 
out-houses and offices belonging thereto, then lately erected and 
built by the said Mayor, Aldermen, and Capital Burgesses, or the 
Earl of Exeter, iheir lessee, situate in St. Mary's-street, in the 
parish of St. Mary, in Stamford. With the usual powers of distress 
and entry, and a declaration on the part of the trustees that they 
would stand seised of the said rent-charge upon the trusts of 
Hardy's Will. 

It will be observed that the churchwardens are not parties to 
either of the preceding conveyances. 

Neither the churchwardens' books already referred to, nor any ( 
of the other documents, describe the original situation of the pro- K 



CHARITIES. 61 



perty by abuttals. In the former, however, the stable is mentioned, 
and it is also stated that, from 1780 to 1784, there were three dis- 
tinct tenants. 

"With the further view of identifying- the original site, which, 
when it is considered that it lay intermixed with the ground of the 
corporation, and that both have been built upon for upwards of 
50 years, appeared almost impossible, the testimony of several old 
persons was resorted to, who were all agreed as to the particular 
neighbourhood where the premises were situate, but none of them 
could assign the precise locality. 

The £4. 10., which has always been paid by Lord Exeter, in ad- 
dition to the rent reserved in the lease from the corporation, is re- 
gularly received, and is distributed equally amongst eight poor > 
widows of the parish. I 

Pahner''s Clmrity. — The origin of the charity known by this 
name cannot be ascertained, but by the award made on the inclo- 
sure.of L'flFord, a close of arable land in the High-field, containing 
5a. 1r., was allotted to the rector, churchwardens, and overseers of 
the parish of St. John, in Stamford, in trust for the poor. 

And on the inclosure of the land called Borough Fen Common, 
and the Four Hundred Acre Common, in the county of Northamp- 
ton, 24 perches Avere allotted to the overseers of the poor of St. 
John, in lieu of their right of common. 

The five acres are let to J. Martin, as yearly tenant, at a rent of 
£5., and the 24 perches to William Dalby, at a rent of 4s. 8d. per 
annum. 

These sums are received by the churchwardens, and distributed 
between St. Thomas's-day and Christmas amongst 12 poor widows 
in coals and money. 

TrxiesdaWs Hospital. — This parish is entitled, equally with that 
of All Saints, to the benefit of this charity.— See All Saints. 

\ Buck's Charity. — It also receives a yearly payment of 15s. 6d., in 
J respect of a charity of Lady Jane Buck. 

< This money was formerly paid by the corporation, but is now 
] handed by the new trustees to the paiish-olficers, and distributed in 
- small suras among poor persons, a preference being generally given 
to widows. 

Church Estate. — This parish is possessed of a small piece of land 
in New Close Field, containing one acre, let to John Smith as yearly 
tenant, at a rent of £1., which is carried to the church-rate. 



I 62 CHABITIES. 

< ~~ 

^ Parish of St. Mary's.— bvllock's charity.— Robert Bullock, 

^ in 1655, gave £50. to Luke Blji;!!, iu trust, to distribute the interest 

-J in bread among the poor of this parish ; and the said Luke Blythe, 

> by indenture, bearing date 22nd July,inthe same year, in consider- 
t ation thereof, charged his messuage on Barn Hill, in the parish of 
f All Saints, with the annual payment of £3. 10. to the churchwar- 

< dens of St. Mary's for that purpose. 

> The property thus charged consists at present of two houses, one 
^ belonging to William Ilopkinson, who pays £2. 15., and the other 
s to the devisees of William Eedifer, who pay the remaining 15s. 

< The churchwardens of St. Mary's annually receive both sums, 
^ which are laid out according to the direction of the donor. 

s This charge has been vested in the minister and churchwardens 

S of St. Mary's, under the authority of the 6th and 7th William IV. 

< 

^ Unknow7i Donor.— There is a house in St. Mary's-street, Stam- 

^ ford, belonging to the parish of St. Mary's, but by whom, or for 

i what purpose given, it is now impossible to discover. 

< It appears to have been vested in the churchwardens of the above 
^ parish, who have always applied the rents towards the repairs of 

i their church. 

< 

^ The house is now let to William Barber for 21 years from Michael- 

S mas, 1825, at a rent of £6. 

\ Parish of St. MichaeVs. — fulwood's charity. — Peter Fulwood, 

\ by Will, dated 1st July, 1642, charged 11 acres, lying in the fields of 

i Stamford, with the yearly payment of 10s. to the minister and 

^ churchwardens of St. Michael's, in trust, to distribute amongst the 

< most needy, impotent, and deserving poor of their parish. 

<. The land thus charged is the property of the Marquis of Exeter, 

^ whose steward annually pays the 10s. to the minister and church- 

^ wardens of St. Michael's, by whom it is expended in bread for the 

S poor. 

\ Charities of Curtis and Caldecot. — The Parliamentary Returns 

I state that Curtis gave, by Will, in 1731, £10. for the poor of 

<• St. Michael's, and that Joseph Caldecot, by Will, dated 1751, gave 

< £5. to the minister and churchwardens of the said parish, in trust, 
^ to expend the interest in bread for 10 poor families on the 29th 
^ of March in every year. 

< 

( These two sums of £10. and £5. have always been iu the hands of ; 

\ the churchwardens of the parish for the time being, who expend ; 

\ the interest (amounting to 15s. yearly) in bread for the poor, and, \ 

\ on quitting ofl&ce, deliver over the principal to their successors. 



CHARITIES. 63 

Donor Unknown. — The churchwardens of St. Michael's have 
been possessed from time immemorial (from what source is un- 
known) of a messuage in High-street, the rent of which they have 
always carried to the church-rates. 

It is now let to Thomas Dawson as yearly tenant, at a rent of £ 15. 

Porter's Charity. — There is another house belonging to the 
churchwardens of St. Michael's, which is probably the one stated 
in the Parliamentary Eeturns to have been left by Porter. 

It is situate in Paul's-street, and was formerly let for £4. a-year. 
It was afterwards inhabited by poor widows of the parish rent-free, 
but is now in ruins ; and, from the want of funds, there is little 
probability of its being re-built. 

Trollope's Charity. — Mrs. Mary Trollope, by Will, the date of 
which does not appear, gave the interest of £400. Three per Cent. 
Consols, for the benefit of six aged and poor persons of the parish 
of St. Michael's, Stamford. 

The money, which remained for a long time in the name of the 
original trustee, has been lately transferred into those of Sir John 
Trollope, bart., Charles Trollope, esq., and the Kev. Charles Swann, 
the rector of St. Michael's. The expense of the transfer, amount- 
ing to nearly £24., has been for the last four years a serious draw- 
back from the funds of this charity, but the amount having been at 
length discharged, the whole of the dividends will be in future em- 
ployed according to the directions of the testatrix. 



The preceding account is chiefly taken from the Eeport of the 
Charity Commissioners, and presented to Parliament, by order of 
the House of Commons, in 1837. 



APPENDIX. 



ing was the quarterly rental of 

£. s. d. 

Francis Jelley 16 5 

Matthew Eooe 6 10 

Joseph Phillips 3 8 9 

Jeremiah Pollard 8 15 

JohnH. Broughton .. 3 15 

Mary Knight 23 

William Kingham 6 15 

Marquis of Exeter. ... 6 15 



£153 9 



Badcliffe's School. — The follow 
this charity at Lady-day, 1846 : — 
£. 5. d. 

Joseph C. Grant 17 10 

Jas.TorkingtonJun... 7 15 

Charles Walding 6 5 

Bichard Newcomb 7 15 

Miss Spencer , 6 5 

Charles Collins 4 5 

"W. French 2 2 

J. Dickinson . 8 15 

Thomas Warren 5 5 

Samuel Gilbert, sen. ..700 
Samuel Gilbert, jun. .. 5 

or, £612. 3. 0. per annum. The rents are paid quarterly to the "Rev. 
F. E. Gretton, the master. The number of boys on the foundation, 
now educating at this school, is upwards of 30. 

Snoivden's Hospital. — This Hospital has been for some time in 
such a flourishing state, that, in 1838, the trustees commenced al- 
lowing 4 poor widows 4s. a-week each, as pensioners of the hos- 
pital ; and, at Lady-day last, the balance in the hands of the Trea- 
surer was £46. 8. If. 

Apprejiticmg Charities. In March, 1846, the balance due from 
the Treasurer was £16. 13. 7., and within the last year, 13 boys had 
£5. each awarded to them. 

TruesdaWs Exhibition. — April 1, 1846, the balance due from the 
Treasurer was £33. 7. 7. ; one year's interest on £50., £2., and same 
on £90., £3. 12., leaving a balance of £38. 19. 7., besides the £140. 
invested in stock. 

Loans to Tradesmen. — At the last audit, the balance due from 
the Treasurer for Trigge's bequest was £239., and on Weaver's, 
£53. 17. ; of the latter, no loans have been advanced since 1838 : 
the Trustees are, however, taking it into their consideration 
whether they cannot lend larger sums, so as to make both these 
charities more serviceable to the public. 



APPENDIX. 



65 



All Saints Callis. — The income of this Charity is the same as 
stated by the Charity Commissioners in 1837. The funds are so 
scanty, and the building so decayed, that ere long this excellent 
institution for old women must be suspended for a time, until the 
money accumulates to a sufficient sum to re-build the place. 

Blue-coat School. — In 1838, a new school-room was built in All 
Saints'-street, at a great expense — 150 boys are now educated there 
on the British and Foreign system, and 60 boys are neatly clothed. 
This charity is now entirely under the management of the Charity 
Trustees, who receive the rents, viz., for the Hogsthorpe farm, 
£181., and for a house in the occupation of Mr. Eobert Ehoades, 
£5., the rest made up by voluntary contributions, which, it is to be 
regretted, have of late years fallen off, although the school has un- 
doubtedly become of more service to the public. At the last audit 
the balance due to the Treasurer was £4. 12. 11.^. 

Apprenticmg Fund. — On the 25th of March, 1846, the balance 
in the Treasurer's hands was £16. 13. 7. In the last year 13 boys 
received £5. each. 

Trustees of Charities.— Durmg the year 1845, the Eev. E. Jones 
and Messrs. Eoden, Newcomb, Fysh, Hatfield, Baker, Knight, J. 
Lumby, Tebbutt and Ashby, distributed £60. from the following 
trusts : each gentleman doling out £6. This plan is adopted 
annually at Christmas : — 

£. s. d. 

Warwick, Bevil, and Acham's . ; 10 

King, Manners, and Curtis' 1 10 

Earl and Countess of Exeter's** •* 3 10 

F.Trigg's 5 

Lady Thorold's 10 

Lady Buck's 1 

Walsham's , 29 



£60 



On the 24th June, 1846, when the accounts were audited, the 
balance in hand on all the charities under their care, was 
£508. 19. 11^., but several payments have since been made. 

The clerk's salary of £10., and the expenses of the meetings are 
defrayed by a rate of l^d. per cent, on all the charities. 

President, Eichard Newcomb, Esq.; Vice-President, James H. 
Fysh, Esq.; Clerk, Eichard Thompson, Esq.; Treasurer, Mr. 
James George Desborough. 

JBroione's Hospital. — This immense charity is at length likely to 
become of great service to the public, as the Lord Bishop of Lin- 



APPENDIX. 



< coin has, at the request of four or five inhabitants of Stamford, in- < 
? stituted an inquiry into the affair. The system of leasing at a low ^ 

< rent with fines is strongly condemned by the Eight Rev. Prelate, I 

< in a correspondence with one of these persons. The Bishop has I 

< power to alter the rules respecting the leases, but as the number of < 
( poor men is fixed by Eoyal Charter, it will require the authority of \ 
\ the Court of Chancery to alter it. This authority is now about to < 
( be applied for. It will, of course, be five or six years before any \ 
b addition can be made to the number of recipients of this charity, 

\ because the leases cannot all be altered at once ; but there is little 

\ doubt that in 30 years the property will realise £3000. per annum. 

> Williamson's Hospital.— The income of this Hospital is now 
I about £65. per annum, and a balance of between £50. and £60. is 

< laid out in the stocks, and suffered to accumulate for a building- 
^ fund, the house being in a very dilapidated condition. In 1857, the 
/ Marquis of Exeter's lease of the houses in Red Lion-square will 
I fall in, when it is expected that the income will be increased by 
\ nearly two-thirds of its present amount. 

] Winifred Browne's Charity. — The income during the year ending 

] Lady-day, 1846, was £65.,— expenditure £51. 2. 6. 

< Truesdale's Hospital. — Since 1840, rooms for four more inmates 
^ have been erected, and 16 now receive the benefit of this charity. 

I Fishei^'s Charity.— In page 51, line 5, read, " It is surprising that 

c no subsequent attempt has been made to disturb the possessions of 

( the parish of Bourn." 

< Saijit George's Parish. — Brocklesby's Land now produces £12. 
i a year, and which is distributed by the Churchwardens in money, 
e bread, and meat. 

I Chirme's property consists of the Half-Moon Inn, which is let 

> for £20. a-year. Twelve widows receive Is. a quarter, and the rest 
( is distributed amongst the poor on Saint Thomas's day. 

S Church Propei'ty.— These Estates have been re-let on building 

I and repairing leases, and next Lady-day will commence a yearly in- 

\ come of £71. 5. The balance of £102. 4. lOf. was, in 1844, devoted 

< towards the re-pewing of the church. Out of this fund the clerk 
I receives £14. a year; the late sexton, Mrs. Bingham, a pension of 
( 2s. 6d. a-week for life; and the present sexton, Samuel Butcher, 
( £2. a year. 

; Cusfs Charity produces £2. a-year, which is distributed with 

I Brocklesby's. 

S Saint PauVs Conduit. — The " Conduit Money" is the property of 

\ the parish, as the following extracts from the church books will 



( APPENDIX. 67 

i 

) prove; and such evidence it is thought ought to convince every 

) honest man that the " dog-in-the-manger" system ought not to 

} be carried on much longer by these self-styled " Feoffees." 

\ EXTEACJS. 

29th March, 1646.— Memorandum : that Anthony Write (Wright) 

I is to pay for three acres of land belonging to the Conduit, while 

I Lady-day next, after sixteen groats an acre. 

I Mem. : that John Steele is to have the Long Acre, belonging to 

I the Conduit, and butting upon the Conduit-head, tvith the consent 

■) of the parishioners present, for one shilling a-year, and begins this 

^ year, 1646, 

I By me, H. COOKE, Min. EOBERT HALL. 

THO. NORRIS. RO. t WHITE. ; 

\ THO. SHERWOOD. ; 

I '21th March, 1665. — By the Inhabitants this day met, it was put \ 

\ to the vote, whether Robert Ball should hold the three acres of 

\ Conduit-land at the rate of 15s., Avhich he hath paid ever since 1655, 

\ or make up the rent 16s. per annum, as he paid before then : and, 

\ by the major vote, viz, ten against eight voices, agreed that he 

> should pay I63. per annum, which was the old rent. 

\ \%th June, 1758. — At a vestry held this day, it is agreed, that the 

I Churchwardens have liberty to erect a new Gallery for the better 

/ conveniency of the inhabitants ; and that the money due to the 

\ parish from the Conduit-masters' accounts, be appropriated towards 

\ bearing the expenses of the same. 

\ R. A. KNOWLES, Rect. JOHN WARRINGTON. 

< R. RIDLINGTON, WILL. LINDSEY. 

F. HOWGRAVE. ROBT. PfLKINTON. 

\ JAS. HURST, 

< 17^^ April, 1759. — At tbe vestry of the parish of Saint George, in 
V Stamford, it is agreed, that Mr. Robert Ridlington and Mr. John 

> Warrington, Conduit-masters, or Treasurers of the Estate belong- 
S ingto the said parish, shall and do pay to the Churchwardens of the 
I parish, the sum of fifteen pounds one shilling and six-pence, being 

< a surplus in the hands of the said Robert Ridlington, out of the 
\ profits of the said Estates, towards the costs and charges of a Loft 

> or Gallery newly-erected in the Church of the said parish ; and that 
? the receipt of the Churchwardens to the said Robert Ridlington 

< and John Warrington shall be a discharge for the same, to be al- 
lowed in their accounts as Conduit-masters. 

F. HOWGRAYE. THOS. ELKINS. 

WM. JARYIS. W. WATERS. 

JOHN TALLIS. ROBT. PILKINTON. 

WM. CLARK. WILL. LINDSEY. 



21th April, 1764. — At a Testry this day held, appeared personally, I 

Edward Owen, Gent., and petitioned the Parishioners, then assetn- [ 

bled, for leave to take in for his own proper use, the waste water < 

running from the Conduit, commonly called the Leaden Conduit in S 

Saint Paul's-street ; which request is hereby granted, provided he, S 

the said Edward Owen, take in the same at his own proper expence, < 

and indemnify the parish from any detriment or charge attending < 

the same, at present, and for any time to come. In Witness of < 

which agreement, he hath hereunto set his hand, the day and date ^ 

above written. \ 

EDWAE-D OWEN. 5 

[And then comes an artful entry in the Parish Book, dated the \ 

31st May, 1764, by which Eichard Arthur Knowles, the Rector \ 

Farindon Eeid, James Hurst, E.. Eidlington, Wm. Waters, John I 

Tallis, Wm. Clark, John Warrington, Henry Chapman, William ( 

Stevenson, Thomas Elkins, Eobert Pilkinton, and William Jarvis, < 

by the false names (as to all of them but the Eector) of Feoffees in -^ 

trust, for the Estate appropriated to the repairs &c. of the Conduit, \ 

and with great dignity confirm the bargain. — Blore.} i 

( 

The accumulated funds in the hands of the Feoffees is said to \ 

amount to nearly £400. In January, 1846, the inhabitants of Saint { 

George's parish, and other persons interested, met at the Carpen- < 

ters' Arms in Saint Leonard's-street, and came to the following t 

resolution : — I 

( 

*' That it is expedient to procure a better supply of Water in j 

Saint Leonard's-street, Stamford, and as this Meeting has been in- i 

formed that the Feoffees of Saint Paul's Conduit have a surplus of J 

both money and water, it is advisable to apply to them, and respect- \ 

fully request that they will ascertain whether there is a surplus | 

of water with which the Occupiers of Houses in Saint Leonard's- i 

street could be accommodated, and if so, whether they have power c 

and are willing to carry so desirable an object into effect." \ 

At this Meeting, E. Newcomb, Esq. offered to allow pipes to be ^ 

laid through his property, and to give the site for a Conduit in Saint ] 

Leonard's-street. { 



The following is a copy of the answer : — c 

March, 1846. | 

Sir,— I beg to furnish you with a Copy of a Eesolution made at a \ 

Meeting of the Feoffees of the Conduit Estate in Stamford, held on i 

the 5th instant, at which meeting were. present — ( 



APPENDIX. 69 [ 

EEV. F. E. GEETTON, Chairman. ; 

ME,. ALDEEMAN SIMPSON, t 

ME. r. SIMPSON, JuN., ^ 

ME. J. SIMPSON, I 

ME. NEWZAM. I 

I am. Sir, I 

Your obedient Servant, ^ 

B. BEOWNING, > 

Conduit-Master. < 

(COPY.) > 

That the FeoflFees of the Conduit Estate having, with the assist- ^ 

ance of their legal adviser, taken into consideration the Eesolutions 5 

of a Meeting held at the Carpenters' Arms Inn, Saint Leonard's- I 

street, Stamford, on Monday the 19th January, 1846, for the pur- ^ 

pose of considering the best manner of procuring a more abundant > 

supply of Water in Saint Leonard's, regret that the Trust Deed > 

under which they act, does not authorize them to expend their > 

Surplus Fund in the way proposed at such Meeting. I 

Eesolved, — That a Copy of this Eesolution be served upon S 

Mr. John Burton, the Chairman of such Meeting. ^ 

F. E. GEETTON, Chairman. \ 

s 

> 

It is truly lamentable to see thousands of gallons of surplus > 

water from the conduit running into the common sewer in Saint I 

Paul's-street, and the inhabitants of Saint Leonard's-street and i 

neighbourhood having only one well. In case of fire the conse- ^ 

quences would be most awful. i 

> 

Hardy's Charity. — The former robberies of the poor connected I 

with this bequest will be found at page 57. The Borough Trea- > 

surer continues to pay £4. 10. yearly to the Churchwardens and six > 

parishioners of Saint John. The property foolishly bartered away ^ 

for £4:. 10., would now produce £50. per annum. The following > 

are the present six parishioners, with the dates of their election by I 

the parish in vestry : — ^ 

> 

Wm. Bacon 1815 Garmston Chapman.... 1836 > 

John Lunn 1821 T. J. DaflForn 1837 \ 

Jas. W. Askew .... 1835 John Oswin 1841 \ 



r 



70 



Bullock's Charity. — The sums received by the Churchwardens of 
Saint's Mary's are from W. Hopkinson, Esq. for his house on Barn- 
hill, £2. 5., and from the devisees of the late W. Eedifer, Esq., 15s., 
making- £3., (instead of £3. 10., as stated by the Commissioners). 
The money is distributed in bread to the poor between Michaelmas 
and Lady-day annually. 

Porter's Charity. — The old house was, a few years ago, let on a 
building-lease to Mr. Moses Peal, for 99 years, at £7. per annum, 
and the rent is appropriated towards the general expenses of Saint 
Michael's church. 

Unknown Donor fSaint MichaeVs). — This house, in the occu- 
pation of Mr. Tyler, is let on lease to Joseph Phillips, Esq., at 
£15. a year, and is now the White Lion Public-house. The rent 
is appropriated towards the repairs of the church. 

Saint MichaeVs Bells. — Basil Ferrar, late Parish Clerk, and a 
celebrated ringer, left £20. to the Churchwardens, the interest of 
which was to be applied in keeping the bell-ropes in repair. 

Marshall's Charity in connexion with Christ's Hospital. — There 
is an exhibition to one of the Universities for a boy born in Stam- 
ford, (amongst other places named,) and the gift is not confined to 
a scholar of any particular schooL 



INDEX. 



PAGE, 

Abbots of Peterborough 33, 70 

Adelaide, Queen 1 

Agricultural Society 2 

Alkfrid 7 

All Saints' Church 7 

All Saints' Church in Water- 
street 11 

All Saints'-fields 11 

AU Saints' Tithes 12 

All Saints' Statistics 12 

All Saints' Steeple Climbed . . 12 

All Saints'-street 12 

Almanack for Stamford .... 13 

Assembly Eoom 13 

Assessment 13 

Augustine Friars , . 13 

Austin-street 14 

Bacon, Eog-er..... 14 

Balloon Ascents 15, 104 

Banks 16 

Bank for Savings 16 

Baptist Chapel 18 

Bam-hiU 18, 226 

Barons 18 

Bathing 79 

Baths 19 

Battles .' 19 

Bazaars 20 

Beadle 20 



PAGE* 

Bee Newspaper 230 

Beerhouses 20, 243 

BeU Foundry 21, 253 

Bellman 21 

Bells 20 

Benefit Societies 22 

Benevolent Societies 25 

Bertie, Charles 25 

Bertie, Philip 26 

Bertram de Verdun 26 

Bible Society 27 

Bishops of Lincoln 27 

Bishops of Peterborough . . 35 

Blackfriary 37 

BlackHall 40 

Bloody Oaks 20 

Blue-coat School 40 

Bohun, William 40 

Bolton Murdered 40 

Borough 41 

Borough English 41 

Borough Seal 20, 146 

Boston Herald 231 

Bowling-green 42 

Brazen-nose College 14 

Bridge 44, 79 

Broadeng Bridge 45 

Bro^vn, Edward 47 

Browne (Family of) 46 

Browne's Hospital 48 



72 



PAGE. 

Brownlow, Earl 48, 253 

Bruckshaw, Samuel 126 

Bruges, WilUam 49, 248 

Bull Festival 266 

Bull- running. 49 

Bull-running" Song 69 

BuU Woman 52 

Bunley, John 70 

Burgess 70 

Burghley House 74 

Burghley Lodges 76 

Burghley Manor 70 

Burghley Park 75 

Burial place without the 

town 76 

Burley, John 77 

Butchers' Shambles 77 

Bye-laws 77 

Calvinists 80 

Campden, Viscount 80 

Carmelite Friary 80 

Carr, Eev. B. L 80, 257 

Casterton-road 82 

Castle 82 

Catholic Chapel 83 

Cecil, (Family of) 84 

CecU, David 86 

Cecil, William, Lord Trea- 
surer 86, 225 

Cecil, Thomas, first Earl . . 99 
Cecil, William, second Earl 101 

Cecil, David, third Earl 101 

Cecil, John, fourth Earl 101 

Cecil, John, fifth Earl 102 

Cecil, John, sixth Earl.... 102 
Cecil, John, seventh Earl.. 102 
Cecil, Brownl., eighth Earl 102 
Cecil, Brownlow, ninth Earl 102 
Cecil, Henry, first Marquis 103 
Cecil, B. present Marquis . . 103 
Cecil, Willm. Alleyne, pre- 
sent Lord Burghley. . . . 103 

Cecil, Thomas 170, 171 

Champion Newspaper 231 



PAGE. 

Chapels 106 

Chaplin, Thos,. 106, 170, 171, 172 

Chapters 106 

Charles 1 107 

Cholera 189 

Charters and Grants . . 108, 128 
Chui-ches, 7, 51, 109, 248, 

259, 266, 279 284 

Clare, John 109 

Clerk (Sir George) 110 

Clisseby, Hugh 191 

Clothing Clubs 291 

Coat of Arms Ill 

Cockpits 112 

Coins 113 

Conduits and Wells 114 

Confirmations 115 

Cook, John WaUing, kHled 115 

Cooke, W. Collins' 115 

Commissioners (Report of) . . 127 

Corn Market 115 

Coroner , . 116 

Corporation 117 

Corporation (New) 147 

Corporation Property 150 

Corporation Begalia 160 

Court of Pie-poudre 161 

Court of Eecord 161 

Crier 162 

Cromwell, Oliver 162 

Cross (Queen Eleanor's). . . . 162 

Cross (Maiden's) 162 

Cross (Market) 162 

Croyland Abbey 163 

Croyland Bridge 163 

Cumberland, Eichard 163 

Cust (FamHy of) 253 

Danes 19, 164 

Davys (Bishop) 36 

Deanery 164 

D'Eyncourt 164 

Doomsday Book 165 

Dorcas Charity 297 

Drunken Bamaby 43 



73 



PAGE, 

Dwarfs 194, 221 

Earl of Stamford 168, 225 

Earthquakes 168 

Edwai-d 1 225 

Edward II 168 

Edwai-d III 168 

Edward IV 169 

Edward TI 169 

Edward, Duke of York .... 168 

Elections 169 

Electors 173 

EUzabeth (Queen) .... 174, 187 

Emlyn, Thomas 174 

Ermine-street 174 

Etymology 293 

Fairs 174 

Famine 175 

Feasts 175 

Fields 11, 13 

Fifteenths 120, 177 

Finch, George 172, 177 

Fines 177 

Fire-brigade and Engines . . 179 

Fires 177 

Fish-market 180 

Fish, Mrs 257 

Floods 180 

Floral Society 180 

Foresters 25 

Freemen 130, 181 

Friendly Society of Trades . . 22 

Frosts 182 

Fryer, Henry 182 

GaUows 182 

Gannock-street 13 

Gaol 182 

Gascoigne, George 183 

Gates and WaUs 183 

George IV 185 

George Bridge 45 

Gilchrist, Octavius 185 

Grammar School 185 



PAGE. 

Granby (Marquis of) 226 

Gregory, Captain 172 

Grey (Family of) 225 

Grey Friaiy 185 

GuHd of Saint Martin 188 

Handley, Henry 189 

Health 189 

Heathcote, G. J 189 

Heathenish Learning 190 

Henry 1 190 

Hem-ylll 190 

Henry YIII 190 

Heston, Walter 190 

Histories 293 

Holand, Thomas de 186 

Hopkins' Hospital 190 

Hospital of Saint John and 

Saint Thomas 190 

Hotel 192 

Houses 12,13, 194 

House of Saint Sepulchre and 

Magdalen Chapel .... 194 

Hudson, Jeflfery 194 

Hudson, Michael 196 

Hugh (Bishop of Lincohi). . 28 

Humet, WiUiam 197 

Humez, Eichard 191, 225 

Humez, William 225 

Hurricane 197 

Improvement Act 179, 197 

Independent Chapel 199 

Infant School 200 

Infirmary 200 

Institution 209 

Jackson, Cyril 212 

Jackson, WiUiam 213 

Jacobites 214 

James 1 214 

Jews 214 

Johnson, Eobert .. , 215 

Kaye (Bishop of Lincoln) . . 31 
King, Cassandra 216 



74 



PAGE. 

King John 216, 225 

KUp's-hiU 216 

Lambert, Daniel 216 

Lammas Bridge 45 

Land 11, 13 

Langford (Lord) 173 

Langley, Edmund 221 

Langton, Jolin 222 

Laud Arclibishop 273 

Latimer 222 

Law Terms 222 

Libraries 210, ^23 

Lincolnshire Chronicle .... 230 

Lindsey, (Earl of) 224 

Literary Institution 209 

Losecoat-field 19 

Louis, son of Philip 11. , King 

of France 224 

Lullendune, William 224 

Lying-in Institution 297 

Magna Charta, 19, 225 

Maiden-lane 225 

Manor 225 

Markets 115, 226 

Mary, Queen of Scots 35 

Melancholy-walk 45 

Methodist Chapel 226 

Mint 227 

Miracle, 28, 227 

Murders 40, 214, 228 

Museum 210 

National School 297 

Newspapers 228 

News-rooms 211 

Newstead Priory 231 

Northamptonshire Bank .... 16 

North-street Chapel 299 

Nunnery of Saint Augustine 232 
Nunnery of Saint Michael . . 233 
Nimnery near St. Leonard's 236 

Odd Fellows (N.O.) 22 



PAGE' 

Odd FeUows (M.U.) 24 

Oddy 169 

Organs ...i 236 

Parliaments 236, 237 

Parkes 172 

Peck, Francis 240 

Penalties 77, 197 

Penda, King of Mercia .... 7 

Peterborough Hall 240 

Pewterers' Hedge 241 

Philpot, J. C 299 

Pilsgate Lodges..... 76 

Plague 241 

Ploughing Meetings 3 

Population 12, 241 

Portico .> 77 

Post-office 242 ' 

Privy Council 243 

Provident Society 25 • 

PubUc-houses 12, 20, 243 

Eaces 243, 295 

Kadcliffe's School 245 

Railways 246 

Recorders 124 

Hichardll 246 

Kiver 246 

KockTerrace 247 

Rock Villa 247,291 

Roman Bank 174 

Roman Encampment 247 

Roman Tiles 248 

Roman Urn 248 

Royal Society of United 

Brethren 24 

.Russel, William ...... ... 186 

Rutland Terrace 248 

Schools 200, 291 

Seaton, Thomas 291 

Sempringham Hall 292 

Soldiers 293 

Spa 293 

StaUage 293 



75 



PAGE. 

Stamford & Eutland Bank . . 16 
Stamford & Spalding- Bank. . 16 

Stamford Earl of 168, 225 

Stamford Mercury 228 

Stamford News 229 

Stanford, Jolin 186 

Saint Andrew's Church .... 248 

Steeple Eaces 295 

Stephen 295 

Saint George's Church.. 51, 248 
Saint John & Saint Thomas' 

Hospital 190 

Saint George's Fields 258 

Saint George's Statistics .... 258 

Saint Giles' Hospital , 258 

Saint John's Church ...... 259 

Saint John's Statistics 262 

Saint Leger's Hospital .... 263 
Saint Leonard's Monastery. . 263 
Saint Martin's Bedehouse . . 265 
Saint Martin's Bull Festival 266 

Saint Martin's Church 266 

Saint Martin's, Donations to 275 

Saint Martin's Fields 276 

Saint Martin's Gates 276 

Saint Martin's Guild 189 

Saint Martin's Parish 276 

Saint Martin's Statistics. . . . 277 
Saint Martin's Schools .... 278 
Saint Mary's Benniwerk .... 279 

Saint Mary's Church 279 

Saint Mary's Statistics .... 284 

Saint Mary's Passage 284 

Saint Michael's Church .... 284 
Saint Michael's New-Church 287 
Saint Michael's Church-yard 289 
Saint Michael's Cornstall . . 289 

Saint Michael's Fields 289 

Saint Michael's Statistics . . 289 
St. Michael's Sunday School 290 

Saint Paul's Church 290 

Saint Peter's Church 290 

Saint Sepulchre, House of . . 194 
Saint Stephen's Church 291 



PAGE- 

Stukeley William 295 

Subscription Charities .... 297 

Tennyson 164, 170, 171 

Theatre 298 

Throwing Stones 79 

Tilts and Tournaments .... 298 

Tiptaft William 299 

To\vTi Clerks 124 

Town-hall 299 

ToTVTi-hall on the Bridge . . 300 

Trade 300 

Tradesman's Society 22 

Traffic 300 

Trinity Church 291 

Trollope, Sir John 301 

Turner, C 301 

Twopeny, Eichard 301 

Tyson, M 301 

Union Benefit Society 24 

Union, Poor-law 302 

University 303 

VaudeyHaU 303 

Victoria 303 

WaUs 183 

Waste Lands 11 

Warren John 225 

Warren William 225 

Watch-houses 77 

Water-furlong 45 

Wesleyans 226 

Widows' and Orphans' Insti- 
tution r 24 

Wothorpe College 11 

Waits 308 

Water 308 

Weather 308 

Whitefriary 311 

Wolph, Eichard 312 

Wothorpe, Great 312 

Wothorpe, Little 313 

Wytham-on-the-HiU 314 



76 



INDEX TO CHARITIES. 



PAGE 

All Saints' Callis 14 65 

Apprenticing- Charities . . 16 65 

Acham's Gift 17 65 

Bread Charities 17 

Bevil's Gift 17 65 

Browne's Hospital 20 65 

Blue-coat School 40 65 

Buck's Charity 43 61 65 

Browne (Winifred) 44 66 

Brocklesby's 52 

BuUock's Charity 62 70- 

Chamberlain, Eebecca 12, 14, 15 

Chamberlain William's Gifts 14 

Curtis'Gift 17 65 

Chirme's 51 66 

Gust's 52 66 

Conduit 53 66 

Curtis & Caldecot's Gifts 62 65 

Exeter's, (Earl of) 16, 20 

Exeter, David Earl's Gift .. 18 

Eerrar'sGift 70 

Eisher's Charity 43, 50 66 

Eryer's'Gifts 13, 14, 15, 38 

Fulwood's' 62 

Gibson's, (Catherine) Gift . . 15 

Grammar-School 3, 20 

Hardy's Charity 57 69 

Hopkin's Callis 15 

Hurst's Gift 31 

Hurst's Charity, 45 



PAGE. 

Keisly'sGift 17 

King's Gift 17 65 

Manners' Gift 17 65 

Members of Parliament .... 15 

Marshall's Charity 70 

Palmer's Gift 14 

Palmer's Charity 61 

Porter's Charity 63 70 

Eadcliffe'sSchool.... 3, 20, 62 

Hastall's Gift 17 

Snowden's Hospital .... 11 64 

Saint Peter's-hill Hospital.. 15 

Saint Paul's Conduit 53 66 

Saint George's Church . . 54 66 

Saint John's Church 61 

Saint Mary's Chui'ch 62 

Saint Michael's Church.. 63 70 

Torkington, Mary's Gifts 12, 14 

Trigge, (G's) Loan Charityl6 64 

Trigg, Francis 18 65 

Truesdale's Exhibition 16 20 64 

Truesdale's Gift 18 

Truesdale's Hospital . . 45, 61 

Trollope's Charity 63 

Warrington's Gift . . 12, 14, 38 

Wyldbore's Gifts 14 

Warwick's Gift ........ 17 65 

Weaver's Gift 20 

Williamson's Hospital . . 38 66 

Walsham's Charity . . 42, 53 65 

WeUs' School 43 



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